NATURAL HISTORY. 151 



CONVERSATION XIII. 



Uncle Philip and the Boys make a Voyage, 

 and he tells them of an Animal that makes 

 itself into a Ship ; and of an Insect that 

 builds a Boat, and floats about in a Canoe; 

 and of another that pumps Water, and 

 wears a Mask ; and of a Spider that builds 

 a Raft, and floats upon it. 



" WELL, boys, I have a most delightful plan 

 for us to-day." 



" What is it, what is it, Uncle Philip ?" 



" Why, I have a little voyage to make, and 

 my boat is on the river just above the mill. I 

 have the men there to row it, and every thing 

 is ready." 



" Oh ! dear Uncle Philip, this is charming ! 

 we shall be so happy ! But but " 



" But what, boys T 



" Why, Uncle Philip, we have not asked 

 leave at home. Now our parents are very 

 happy to have us visit you, and say that they 

 are very much obliged to you for telling us so 



