242 A Kindergarten Experiment 



side, at the nicely placed (I had almost said laid) rows 

 of eggs, and wondered how many of them would 

 ever become animate. Two young fellows at my 

 side were laying wagers on the same problem ; they 

 were evidently of that class who would lay odds 

 upon anything, even whether or not the sun would 

 rise the following morning. 



While I was still looking, something seemed to 

 be taking place in one of the eggs. A tiny hole in 

 the shell was visible. It enlarged, and I could see 

 a small beak working industriously for freedom, and 

 breaking away the shell that confined it. If I was 

 interested before, I became absorbed then. Not a 

 motion escaped me. Little by little the prison walls 

 gave way, and finally there appeared a funny, fluffy 

 little head, whose black eyes blinked wonderingly at 

 the world. I welcomed the little stranger most cor- 

 dially ; but doubtless the glass which separated us 

 prevented my congratulations from reaching him. 

 However, he came forth successfully, looked around, 

 and attempted to navigate the billowy sea of eggs 

 that surrounded him. The attempt was a failure. 



