80 TENANTS OF AN OLD FARM. 



Besides, what right have we to complain ? We slaughter 

 birds and beasts for feathers and furs ; we kill the silk- 

 moth to get us a gown, and then think it hard if this 

 poor worm makes a few raids for food and clothing upon 

 our stolen finery ! No, no ! we must be just, at least. 

 However, let us look at this rug closely, and I think we 

 shall conclude that we have been well repaid for all our 

 loss here. 



" There are several species of moths similar in habits, 

 whose caterpillars feed upon animal substances, such as 

 furs, woolens, silk and leather. Moreover, they are 

 dreadful den>redators in the naturalist's cabinet, devour- 

 ing his specimens remorselessly, so that you see I liave 

 had occasion to practice the toleration and charity 

 which I preach. And wliy not ? The creatures are 

 only fulfilling the mission imposed upon them by the 

 great Author of their being— to purify the world of its 

 dead tissues. 



" You might add to their virtues," suggested Abby, 

 sarcastically, " the fact that they contribute largely to 

 increase the stock of the ' old clo's ' merchant, and thus 

 confer indirectly a favor on the poor by cheapening 

 clothing." 



"Thank you!" T replied. "Any championship is 

 welcome to a losing side, and many a true word has been 

 spoken in jest." 



" These moths belong to a family named Tinea by 

 entomologists, such as the tapestry moth {Tinea tapet- 

 zeWa), the fur-moth {Tinea pelUonclla), cabinet-moth 

 {Tinea destructor)^ and clothes-moth {Tinea vestianella). 



