234 TENANTS OF AN OLD FARM. 



as the next evening was our time for AVeekly Conversa- 

 tion, he expressed a lively interest in the matter, and 

 begged permission to attend. Of course we readily con- 

 sented, although the Mistress somewhat abated my zeal 

 over the acquisition of a new proselyte to entomology 

 by suggesting that, perhaps, the chief object of Penn's 

 interest belonged to a higher order of creatures than 

 insects ! But that is a way which our lady friends 

 have — they seem to think that no subject can have 

 such attractions to men, particularly young men, as 

 themselves ! Be that as it may, Penn appeared in our 

 next circle, and as the invitation had been extended 

 to all his family, he brought with him his mother. 



Mrs. Townes is a plain Friend, adhering closely, but 

 without rigidity, to the doctrines, manner, dress and 

 speech of her ancestors. She had already sliown a 

 neighborly interest in us, and with a love of nature and 

 natural science which is characteristic of the Society to 

 which she belongs, entered heartily into our conversa- 

 tions. Her kindly ways had gained for her among 

 "Avorld's people" throughout all our country side the 

 familiar title of " Aunt Hannali." We readily dropped 

 into the usage, as it seemed a happy compromise 

 between the jilain " Hannah " of her co-religionists, 

 which appeared to us lacking in respect, and the formal 

 " Mi*s. Townes," which was somewhat distasteful to her. 



"Among the tenants of our old farm," I said, " there 

 are none more numerous than the ants. I shall liavc 

 something to say about them by-and-by, but to-night 

 I slinll spoalc about some of their cousins-german who 



