102 THE MICROSCOPE. 



with our southern epidemics, though I venture not a word, pro or 

 con, about germs. 



Perhaps, Doctor, you may feel Hke asking, "Who are you to thus 

 call on us without an introduction, and indulge in such egotism.'" 

 Answer. — One who dearly loves the microscope, be it for scientific 

 research, cultivating the mind and love for the true and beautiful, 

 ennobling the character, or to proclaim that there is an "Almighty 

 Architect of the Universe" by bringing us face to face with the 

 works of Omnipotence — in fact, a microscopical missionary, one of 

 those pioneer fellows who go ahead and cut down the underbrush, in 

 hopes it will tempt some more skillful workmen to follow. When a 

 little boy I was very timid — perhaps you think I' am bravely over it 

 in old age — and when first called upon to "appear in public on the 

 stage," I was so disconcerted that I did nothing but to give utter- 

 ance to "Large oaks from little acorns grow," rapidly repeating the 

 same till "the house was brought down." That sentence is branded 

 on my brain till this day. Who knows but cutting the underbrush 

 may plant a seed w'hich will become a "large oak!" 



I would like to prolong my call, but fortunately for you have to 



"jot down some notes" for a lecture, the subject being "How to see 



and study a bit of Louisiana long moss." "What! do you presume 



to lecture?" Why not talk about "moss," if I happen to know some 



things about it not known to my neighbors? Of course, I lecture, 



have been at it "off and on" for thirty years. Can't you be present? 



It will be No. 6, series 3, this season; four more yet, and then — well 



— -jam satis est. 



Yours truly, 



Grkv Bf.aki). 



In the SwAMi'S OK Louisiana, / 

 September, 1881. ) 



An act has been passed for the benefit of Chicago, requiring an 

 inspection on approval by a health commissioner of plans of every 

 house to be built, in respect to ventilation, sewerage, and plumbing. 

 Plumbers' work must be inspected and approved. Failing to meet 

 the commissioner's approval a building will be prohibited and 

 plumbing work condemned. — Ex 



