INTRODUCTION. 



g^ HE evening before leaving for one of my periodical excur- 



s'eS sions, I was putting in order my guns, my insect-cases, 

 and all my travelling necessaries, when my eldest son, a 

 lad nine years old, came running to me, in that wheedling man- 

 ner, — using that irresistible diplomacy of childhood which im- 

 poses on fathers and mothers so many troublesome treaties — 

 and which children so well know how to assume when they desire 

 to obtain a favour. 



" Are you going to make as long a journey as you did last 

 month 1 " he asked. 



" Longer, I think ; for, as we are so soon leaving for Euroi^e, 

 I want to complete my collection as rapidly as possible. I know 

 you will be a good boy during my absence, and obedient to your 

 mother. You will think of me sometimes, will you not 1 " 



" I should much prefer 7iot to think of you," he responded. 



