262 IN THE GREEN LEAF 



would very soon have introduced a vicious 

 brood into the world. The reptile was not 

 coiled up, but stretched out and flattened, 

 thoroughly enjoying the hot sun ; for it was 

 hot for the time of year. 



Before the boys knew exactly what had 

 really taken place, I was standing in front of 

 them with the now furious, hissing reptile 

 securely held with my thumb and finger just 

 below the head, our only method of capture 

 We have had little practice at that work of 

 late years, I am sorry to say ; but if the chance 

 offered, I think I could do it again. 



Strangely enough, I was not invited after 

 this to " come on " any more, for I was credited 

 with a particular kind of knowledge that I 

 certainly did not possess ; one gained from 

 the powers of evil. 



The people that have for generations lived 

 by the various employments comprised under 

 the name of woodcraft are fast passing away, 

 and their surroundings also. This is to be 

 regretted, but there is no help for it. Their 

 sons and daughters now speak of their early 

 days as belonging to a past that will never 

 come back, and, indeed, in their hearts I fear 

 they do not regret the old state of things. 



