212 BOULDER REVERIES. 



merge and mingle. Each loses its identity and 

 becomes a part of the mighty river of life. As 

 their numbers become greater, their flow grows 

 more quiet and placid. The tumultuous rapids 

 of youth are gradually changed into the 

 broader pools of middle life; but ever the 

 course is onward, until finally the broad, slow 

 flowing current reaches the ocean the eternity 

 of the future. 



In the rich lowlands of this stream the pa- 

 paw flourishes, bearing its large, dark green ob- 

 long leaves, about which an ajax butterfly is 

 now flitting. The insect is dependent upon the 

 plant for its future existence, i. e., for food for 

 its progeny. Ages ago this butterfly studied 

 botany, and has inherited a knowledge which 

 enables it to distinguish the foliage of this 

 Asimina from that of any other of the many 

 shrubs and trees growing hereabouts. 



Where an old rail fence touches the edge of a 

 bend in the stream I reach out my hand to 

 steady myself while stepping from one hum- 

 mock of grass to another. As my fingers rest on 

 the gray, lichen covered top-rail, my eye hap- 



