CHINCH-BUGS 111 



some of them staying somewhere over winter, if 

 what we are taught in school is correct." 



"Now, Harry, that looks like good sense to me," 

 Mr. Sprague replied. "Where are the bugs now? 

 Where do you suppose these frail creatures could hide 

 to be able to live through snow, sleet, and ice, such 

 as winter brings ? What shelter protects them from 

 the frosty air and biting winds ? Now, boys, answer 

 quick." 



Every boy looked from one to the other, but no 

 one could answer the question. 



"Listen, boys, there will be a farmers' picnic in 

 the grove back of the town hall at Kingston on 

 January 4. I would like to find out where the 

 chinch-bugs stay during the winter, and if you boys 

 can find it out for me I will take all of you in my car 

 and drive you to that meeting; it is twenty-one 

 miles from here." 



"Hurrah ! " they yelled, and threw their caps high 

 in the air, each boy catching another boy's cap. 

 "We will surely find the bugs," they said. 



Ten minutes later, when Mr. Sprague was sitting 

 in the house reading, he missed the noise of the 

 boys' playing. He looked through the window and 

 saw a sight that made a big smile creep over his face. 

 Under the old water oak sat the five boys, each and 

 every one looking as grave as an owl and talking 

 about a subject which, judging from their looks, 



