MY FIRST FIGHT IN THE WARS OF THE 

 ROSES. 



MAGPIES were manly, for Jones the Prefect kept one, 

 and guinea-pigs were quite genteel ; but we might not 

 even speak of flowers. They were considered to be 

 beneath the dignity of gentlemen who would be nine 

 years of age next birthday. It was quite legitimate to 

 make toffy, and it was honourable to play at horses ; 

 but when Simpkins minimus bought a fuchsia there 

 was one wild howl of scorn. Entomology had ardent 

 friends : butterflies were extensively impaled on cork ; 

 silkworms were openly maintained ; cockchafers were 

 diligently harnessed to elegant landaus of walnut-shell, 

 with buttons of bone for wheels ; frequent trials of 

 strength and science were very generally encouraged 

 between the various species of the genus beetle, and a 

 terrific duel between a " Soldier " and a " Sailor," 

 which took place in a large pill-box, was the thrilling 

 topic of " the half." There were collections of eggs, 

 shells, seals, and autographs (I myself presented one 

 of the juniors with a unique assortment of the latter, 



