306 LIFE AND HABIT. 



although, perhaps, sometimes admitting of a humorous 

 side. If a grain of corn looks like a piece of chaff, I 

 confess I prefer it occasionally to something which 

 looks like a grain, but which turns out to be a piece of 

 chaff only. There is no lack of matter of this descrip- 

 tion going about in some very decorous volumes ; I have, 

 therefore, endeavoured, for a third time, to furnish the 

 public with a book whose fault should lie rather in the 

 direction of seeming less serious than it is, than of being 

 less so than it seems. 



At the same time, I admit that when I began to 

 write upon my subject I did not seriously believe in it. 

 I saw, as it were, a pebble upon the ground, with a 

 sheen that pleased me ; taking it up, I turned it over 

 and over for my amusement, and found it always grow 

 brighter and brighter the more I examined it. At 

 length I became fascinated, and gave loose rein to self- 

 illusion. The aspect of the world seemed changed ; the 

 trifle which I had picked up idly had proved to be a 

 talisman of inestimable value, and had opened a door 

 through which I caught glimpses of a strange and 

 interesting transformation. Then came one who told 

 me that the stone was not mine, but that it had been 

 dropped by Lamarck, to whom it belonged rightfully, 

 but who had lost it ; whereon I said I cared not who 

 was the owner, if only I might use it and enjoy it. 

 Now, therefore, having polished it with what art and 

 care one who is no jeweller could bestow upon it, I 

 return it, as best I may, to its possessor. 



What am I to think or say ? That I tried to deceive 

 others till I have fallen a victim to my own falsehood ? 



