NATURAL HISTORY. 63 



that besides the chisel, the woodpecker has a 

 spear, or lance, or arrow, barbed (as it is 

 called) or bearded at the point. 



" But we are some distance, boys, beyond 

 the old mill : suppose we now turn back to- 

 wards home ; I find the gnats rather trouble- 



some." 



" So do we, Uncle Philip ; they have been 

 siting us for some time : it would be well if 

 there were no such tormenting things in the 

 world." 



" I am not sure of that, boys. We may not 

 always be able to find out the exact use of 

 some of these little animals ; but that only 

 shows that we are ignorant, not that they are 

 of no use. God would never have made them 

 if he had not some wise purpose in doing so : 

 I do not believe he ever wastes his power in 

 making useless things. But what will you 

 say about gnats, when I tell you that they have 

 a tool to work with, and a very perfect one, 

 too ?" 



"Why, we will almost forgive them for 

 citing us." 



" Biting you ! They have not been biting 

 with teeth : they are doctors, boys ; they have 

 only been bleeding you, and cupping you." 



