378 TENANTS OF AN OLD FARM. 



Nay ; it is true here, as Jerrold said of tlie soil of Aus- 

 tralia, one has but to " tickle the face of nature with a 

 hoe and she laughs with a golden harvest." We but 

 touched the surface of the Insect World in our Conver- 

 sations, and I am scarcely doing so much in these 

 notes. 



Meanwhile, the season steadily advanced. Thanks- 

 giving Day came in with a whirl of tempest and snow 

 that marked the advent of winter. Again the days 

 brightened, and the earlj' weeks of December recalled 

 the mingled softness and severity of Novembei*. Christ- 

 mas came with its good cheer, and a sunny holiday 

 week closed with a real Avinter storm, and a snow that 

 whitened all the woods and fields. Shut in, as we 

 were, by the heavy weather and our solitary site from 

 the society of neighbors and friends, and thrown back 

 upon our own resources for enjoyment, we came to 

 look for the weekly or semi-weekly entomological meet- 

 ings with increased pleasure. Surely there is a valuable 

 hint here for many country homes. It is true that a 

 specialist cannot often be found to lead the winter- 

 night conversation ; l)ut the printed page of book or 

 magazine may Avell take his place. There are few 

 home circles where individual studies and observations 

 could not add running comments of real value. 



It was rare for us to pass the appointed time without 

 a Conversation ; and the preparation therefor — collect- 

 ing and arranging specimens, making outline sketches 

 and brief notes, gave to my mind an agreeable occupa- 

 tion that was quite needful alike to ward ofl discontent 



