LIVING CREATURES. 



has been a good deal of a puzzle. The copperhead re- 

 sides in a more southern latitude. It has a dark brown 

 head, and reddish spots on its body. I have several 

 times met it, and have killed it, but never saw it show 

 a very fighting disposition. The water-moccasin is 

 olive brown in color, and is more dreaded than all 

 others, because it is more irritable, and more disposed 

 to attack. 



The young of all serpents are produced from eggs. 

 At regular periods snakes slough, or throw off, their 

 skins, a bright new covering taking the place of the old 

 garment. 



34. HOW A TURTLE TAUGHT A LESSON. 



THE following sketch by Mr. E. S. Thayer appeared 

 some years since in St. Nicholas, and is inserted here 

 by permission. 



About thirty years ago, there was a little boy whose 

 name was John a pretty boy, with thick, golden hair, 

 large, brown eyes, red cheeks, and freckles. One day, 

 in summer, he was playing by the side of a brook in 

 one of the pastures near his home in the country. 

 The brook resembled the boy in some respects. It 

 was in its first light-hearted youth, and went on its 

 way, leaping and sporting. 



This active little boy first built a dam of moss and 

 turf and stones ; then he rolled up his trousers and 

 sailed his little schooner-rigged boat; and, finally, 



