46 BUFFALO LAND. 



the student of learning apply the prick, the result ob- 

 tained will generally prove to be — gas. 



Over our great country, some of the family of 

 Muggs meet one at every turn. Often they scurry 

 along solitarily, but occasionally in groups. In the 

 former case they are unsocial to every body — in the 

 latter to every body except their own party. The 

 bliss which comes from ignorance must be of a thor- 

 oughly enjoyable nature, for the Muggses certainly 

 do enjoy themselves. The}'^ will pass through a coun- 

 tr}', remaining completely uncommunicative and self- 

 wrapped, and know less of it after six months' traveling 

 than an American in two. The professor says he has 

 met them in the lonely parks of the Rocky Mount- 

 ains and in the fishing and hunting solitudes of the 

 Canadas. If they have been an unusually long time 

 without seeing a human being, they may possibly 

 catch at an eye-glass and fling themselves abruptly 

 into a few remarks. But it is in a tone which says, 

 plainer than words, "No use in your going any 

 further, man; I have absorbed all the beauties and 

 knowledge of this locality." 



It is a rare treat to see a coach delivered of Muggs 

 at a country inn. " Hi, porter, look hout for my lug- 

 gage, you know. Tell the publican some chops, rare, 

 and lively now, and a mug of hale, and, if I can 'ave 

 it, a room to myself." If the latter request is 

 granted, and you are inquisitive enough to take a 

 peep, you may see Muggs sturdily surveying himself 

 in the glass, and giving certain satisfied pats to his 

 cravat and waistcoat, as if to satisfy them that they 

 covered a Briton. Could the mirror which reflects 



