6t) THE naturalists' CLUB. 



its descent. This gave a sudden check to our host's hilarity, and as he 

 proceeded to ascertain and repair the damage, his visitor tooli the Jour- 

 nal, glanced in his turn at the contents, and commenced reading, as he 

 supposed, the article which had pleased his host so much ; but whether 

 he agreed with him or not could not be at once determined. Occasion- 

 ally he seemed to discover an error ; at least he appeared ill at ease, 

 knitting his brows, and fidgetting in his chair; until finally he threw 

 the Journal upon the table with some emphasis. Paganus, having fin- 

 ished his task, broke silence by remarking — "That "is an excellent ac- 

 count, is it ilot .-" 



ExTOMOPHiLUS. Excellent ? I never read such nonsense in my life ! 



P. You surprise me! I wonder at your speaking so freely of the 

 science of an author, whom you know to be so much delighted, M'hen 

 his entomological lucubrations gain your approbation. 



E. And you call this science do you? Talking about "their little 

 hark:' 



P. Yes, little iark beetles. Why if you object to calling it science, 

 I admit that it is not as deeply scientific as it is interesting. The au- 

 thor has produced a useful essay in a branch of practical entomology. 



E. Well, if his "practical entomology" takes no higher stand than 

 catching bugs on a chip alongside of what he calls the bark, 1 want 

 none of it. Who can it be ? I don't recognise his style. 



P. But at least you know his initials, and must remember the ver- 

 bal account he had previously given us of the Jipate hasiUaris. 



E. Of course I remember that, but can't perceive the connexion be- 

 tween that insect and this stuff about kingfishers, and snake's eggs. 



P. I admit that he rambles a little towards the end, where he draws 

 a picture of the devastation made by hungry insects in the forest. 



E. Insects in the forest.' You surely mean his picture of hungry 

 entomologists at the table ; but the accident to your drawer of speci- 

 mens has shut everything but insects out of your head. 



P. I mean what I say, but excuse me, I fear you have paid but little 

 attculion to the article, or you would not say there was any allusion to 

 kingfisher's eggs in it. I have an idea that you have been reading your- 

 self half asleej), and have dreamt about our row across the Susquehanna. 

 At any rate, had you been wide awake, you would not have friiled to re- 

 cognise the ready pen of our friend Urbaxus, independently of his sig- 

 nature. 



E. I observed no signature, but you are certainly in error, because 

 he rowed — 



P. Kode t Wiicrc did he ride ? 



