312 LENNIE BURN. 



were often exhibited so plainly, that we. might learn a 

 lesson even from a fish. 



There was a small pond, formed by an old course of the 

 burn, which, from time to time, was another source of 

 speculation and amusement. It had a constant supply 

 of fresh water from a spring, and although the inhabitants 

 of this little basin were completely imprisoned, yet they 

 were in no want of sustenance, from the bottom being soft 

 and muddy, covered with leaves and decomposed vegetable 

 matter. The place was surrounded by trees, which rained 

 down abundance of flies, caterpillars, &c., for two or 

 three trout, which, no one knows how, had found their 

 way in. 



During the latter end of autumn, and the whole of 

 winter, no sign of life is to be seen in this retired standing 

 pool 5 but about the middle of February, if the weather 

 is mild and the sun warm, a slight shaking noise lets me 

 know that the frogs have awaked from their winter sleep. 

 By peeping cautiously over the bank, screening myself 

 behind the trees, I discover one or two heads above the 

 surface, which, sometimes singly, and then in chorus, 

 emit the tremulous croak which had excited my attention. 

 Should the weather still continue warm, every day adds 

 to the number of heads, and the spawn rapidly accumulates 

 in a shallow corner of the well. The croaking is now so 

 loud as to be heard at some distance, not merely from the 

 increase of voices, but that each note acquires double force, 

 the more warm and genial the day. When the cold 

 returns, as in our springs it is so apt to do, many of the 



