THE 
Hermit Naturalist 
CHAPTER I. 
THE OLD HERMIT. 
**He can behold, 
Things manifold, 
That have not yet been wholly told.”—LONGFELLOW. 
In a historic vicinity in the Delaware river 
lies a small island. One would hardly deem 
this isolated spot a pleasant abiding place. Yet 
a small, white-washed, rough, stone dwelling, 
with shutterless windows, and destitute of porch 
or balcony, stands in the center of this island. 
A short distance from the dwelling there is a 
low, rambling wooden building, used for the 
accommodation of live-stock. A small vegeta- 
ble patch, showing evidence of careful cultiva- 
tion, occupies a portion of the contracted area. 
A few storm-beaten, yet still sturdy trees, and 
a rank growth of berry-vines, bushes and 
shrubbery constitute the physical attractions of 
this quiet solitude. 
Frequently, during my walks along the Del- 
aware’s shores in pursuit of knowledge of 
Nature’s mysteries, I have reclined on a grassy 
