A YOUNG NATURALIST. 



"Yes, certainly, Master Sunbeam; firstly, because this is any- 

 thing but a common bird ; and, secondly, during the- few days 

 we shall stay here, we must endeavour to fill the boxes which 

 we have had so much difficulty in making," 



At this moment a finch, with red, brown, and white feathers, 

 settled near us. 



" It is the Pyrrhula telasco," said my friend, " a species di? 

 covered by Lesson, the celebrated ornithologist, in his journey 

 to Lima. Ah ! if I wasn't so economical with the powder " 



"I have some powder,'' muttered Torribio. 



" You have some powder 1 " I cried ; " will you sell us 

 some 1 " 



" No," answered the Indian, dryly. 



" Why not ? " was my rejoinder. " Are you also a sportsman 1 

 Besides, if you are, you will soon be going to Puebla, where you 

 could get a fresh supply." 



" I never sell my powder," was the terse response. 



" Very well, then, let us say no more about it.'' 



We crossed over the stream by means of a tree which stretched 

 from one bank to the other. Ere the sun ceased to gild the 

 ravine with its rays we found ourselves opposite to the dwelling 

 of the Indian patriarch, which overlooked a hut similar to that 

 of our guide. The sky was a pale blue, and we had a glimpse 

 of the monotonous plain dotted over with the sombre cactus 

 plant ; whilst just below us figured the fresh oasis, rendered all 

 the more charming by the contrast. The birds warbled in the 

 shrubs, and one by one flew away in order to return to the trees, 

 among the branches of which they had perhaps first crept out of 

 the paternal nest. A warm breeze was blowing when we got up 

 to return to the village. 



"I have some powder !" exclaimed the Indian, abruptly. 



" Yes, very likely, but I also know that you don't wish to sell 

 any.'' 



« No, I don't." 



The powder is surely mine, I thought to myself; and, after 

 walldng about twenty paces, I again took up the subject. 



" Even if your powder was very good, I wouldn't buy it of you ; 



