240 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



troops were of considerable interest, and much had been hoped for in 

 Omaha in this respect, but the war prevented. 



In this analysis, incomplete, it is true, of these American inter- 

 state expositions something has been shown of their design and more 

 of their benefits. They have had for their purpose the exhibition of 

 the materials, processes, and products of manufacture, but their ulti- 

 mate benefit has been that of education. To the thoughtful an oppor- 

 tunity has been afforded of following the crude material through the 

 processes of manufacture until the finished product has been exhibited. 

 The variety of crude materials was shown him, the different processes 

 were contrasted, and finally the completed article was exhibited which 

 possessed this merit or that advantage according to the process fol- 

 lowed. For the mere pleasure-seeker there were the delights of 

 attractive surroundings, the beauty of the exhibits, and the delights 

 of music or other entertainments. Indeed, all the influences are for 

 good. 



Let it then be the effort of every one, whether official, exhibitor, 

 or visitor, to use his influence to improve and elevate these expo- 

 sitions so that only the most desirable localities shall be chosen in 

 which to hold them, and let the selection of exhibits be made so as to 

 include the most worthy; for then, and only then, will the visitor de- 

 rive the greatest benefit. 



And so from time to time and in various places we shall have 

 these interstate expositions, which will show to the world the advance- 

 ment made in the development of the resources of our great country. 



BOOKWOKMS IN FACT AND FANCY. 



BY WILLARD AUSTEN. 



" What is a bookworm ? Tell me if you can ; 

 I merely mean the insect, not the man 

 A reptile whom a wit like Hood might dub 

 A grub that grubs in Grub Street for its grub." 



ROBERT ROCKLIJT. 



SO much mystery has gathered around the term bookworm, so 

 much imagery has been employed in depicting the appearance 

 and devastations of this mythical creature, that many have been pre- 

 pared to accept almost anything, no matter how fabulous, that might 

 be said about this unknown enemy of literature. Keaction against 

 these weird and fantastical accounts is indicated by the question, not 

 infrequently asked, " Are there such things as bookworms? " Few 

 are aware that in this creature we encounter another case of mas- 

 querading, that these " destroyers of the Muses " are common enough 

 pests playing other roles than those in which they are familiarly 



