THE CONTEMPLATIVE PHILOSOPHER. 



273 



envy of all kingfishers who may covet it ; and let it partake 

 of your afflatus while it watches your movements, to be pre- 

 pared, in case you suspect a bite, lest you should disconcert 

 it by jerking. If you do not take a mess of fish, comprehend 

 solitude. It has its charms, of course, for Robinson Crusoe 

 said that sages had seen them. Disregard the Frenchman's 

 opinion who stated that the solitude which has charms is al- 

 ways iiear cities or large towns. Verbum sat sapient i. 



S 



[A'ote. The larva or grub of the dragon-fly lives in the water ton or twelve months, 

 pursuing there its prey, until the time for its metamorphosis arrives. Then it crawls 

 up out of the water upon the stem of some water-plant; a rent soon appears upon its 

 shoulders, from which comes forth the dragon-fly. The " coming out" of this winged 

 tenant of the air may be observed, arouud our ponds and marshes, almost any day 

 in the months of May and June.] 



