CHAP. XI. | Edward and Grammar. 191 
ly encouraged him to persevere. He also advised him to 
note down the facts which came under his notice, and to 
publish the results of his observations. This surprised Ed- 
ward. “Why,” said he, “I can not write for the publhe 
ers.” “You must learn to write,” said Mr. Smith; “and 
in order to write correctly you must study grammar.” 
He importuned Edward so much, that at last he said he 
“had no use for grammar.” “You can not write without 
it,” said Mr. Smith. “ But,” returned Edward, “I have no 
intention of writing.” “You must write,” said Mr. Smith. 
“You must write down all that you learn respecting the 
objects you are collecting. It isa duty that, you owe to so- 
ciety, and it will be very selfish on your part if you do not 
publish the results of your observations.” 
After about half an hour’s arguing, Edward asked, “ How 
long do you think it would take me to learn grammar?” 
“Well,” said Mr. Smith, “I do not think you would take 
very long to learn it. But,” he added, “ you will require to 
relinquish your outdoor pursuits during that time.” “If 
that be the case, Mr. Smith, I am afraid that I can not be- 
come a pupil. But if I have any time left after I have 
done with nature, then perhaps I may begin to study gram- 
mar; but not till then.” 
Mr. Smith’s advice, however, was not without its good 
results. Edward did begin to note down his observations 
about natural objects, and he published them from time to 
time in the local paper, the Banffshire Journal. When 
the present author asked for a sight of the articles, Edward 
replied, “I think I could supply you with scraps of a good 
number, although, on looking over my stock, I find that a 
great many have disappeared. My family and friends have 
dealt very freely with them. In fact, they were found good 
for ‘kinlin’.’* The most of what I wrote in the local pa- 
pers is lost, forever lost.” 
* Kindling fires, 
