204 EDWARD AND GRAMMAR. CHAP. XL 



nature, that I should to a certainty be regarded, by 

 almost all my parishioners, as half-mad, or at least 

 as childish, and neglecting my more serious duties. 

 Still, I always feel a strong interest in the subject, 

 and in any discovery which is made in regard to it." 

 As Edward had no narrow-minded parishioners 

 to encounter, he went on with his researches. Mr. 

 Smith strongly encouraged him to persevere. He 

 also advised him to note down the facts which came 

 under his notice ; and to publish the results of his 

 observations. This surprised Edward. " Why," said 

 he, " I cannot write for the publishers." "You must 

 learn to write," said Mr. Smith ; " and in order to 

 write correctly you must study grammar." 



He importuned Edward so much, that at last he 

 said he "had no use for grammar." "You cannot 

 write without it," said Mr. Smith. " But," returned 

 Edward, " I have no intention of writing." "You must 

 write," said Mr. Smith. " You must write down all 

 that you learn respecting the objects you are collect- 

 ing. It is a duty that you owe to society, and it will 

 be very selfish on your part if you do not publish the 

 results of your observations." 



After about half-an-hour's arguing, Edward asked, 

 " How long do you think it would take me to learn 

 grammar?" "Well," said Mr. Smith, "I do not 

 think you would take very long to learn it. But," 

 he added, " you will require to relinquish your out- 

 door pursuits during that time." " If that be the 



