58 STUDIES IN ANIMAL LIFE. 



dropped in. He begged to see it; and, seeing at 

 the same time how alive the water was with tiny 

 animals, became curious, and asked many questions. 

 I went on with my work ; his interest and curiosity 

 increased ; his questions multiplied ; he volunteered 

 assistance ; and remained beside me till I prepared 

 to go away, when he said seriously, "Och! then, 

 and it's a fine thing to be able to name all God's 

 creatures." Contempt had given place to rever- 

 ence ; and so it would be with others, could they 

 check the first rising of scorn at what they do not 

 understand, and patiently learn what even a road- 

 side pond has of Nature's wonders. 



