The contemplative Philosopheb. 



273 



envy of all kingfishers who may covet it ; and let it partake 

 of your afflatus while it watches your movements, to be pre- 

 pared, in case you suspect a bite, lest you should disconcert 

 it by jerking. If you do not take a mess offish, comprehend 

 solitude. It has its charms, of course, for Kobinson Crusoe 

 said that sages had seen them. Disregard the Frenchman's 

 opinion who stated that the solitude which has charms is al- 

 ways near cities or large towns. Verbum, sat sapienti. 



S 



[A'ote —The Txtna oi grab of the diagon fly lives m the watei ten oi twelve months, 

 puiBumg theie its prey, until the time for its metamoiphosis airives. Then it ciawk 

 up out of the "water upon the stem of some water-plant ; a rent soon appears upon its 

 shoulders, from which comes forth the dragon-fly. The "coming out" of this winged 

 tenant of the air may he observed, around our ponds and marshes, almost any day 

 in the months of May and June.] 



