oOS FACT AGAINST FICTIOX. 



filled in ])erfectlj clear, to tlie depth of about 

 six inclics, and tlic following aquatic scene in 

 insect and reptile life presented itself. The spade 

 had divided a largish wornij and two large water- 

 newts had swallowed either end of one portion of it 

 as far as they could get it down their throats, and 

 were angrily pulling the one against the other, in 

 the hope of a substantial meal, and the possession of 

 a treasure. Neither could gain any advantage, for 

 the two ends of the coveted morsel were jammed 

 into their jaws, and, besides this, each held fast in 

 order not to lose the prize. Assembled around them 

 were six or seven lesser water-newts, and a flock 

 of nasty-looking black water-beetles, all deeply 

 interested in the struggle, and all, no doubt, 

 though afraid to interfere, ready to seize on any 

 crumbs that might fall from the great newt's 

 table. This struo^f^-le amused me for a con- 

 siderable time, and, though I transferred my 

 attention and labour to other places, when I left 

 off work the two combatants had still hold of 

 cither end of the worm, while the expectant or 

 observant snuiller fry had considerably dispersed, 

 as if they thought the battle, unlike the worm, 

 would never have any end. 



