The Wonders of the Permian 187 



found out my dear readers, as my father used to 

 say "I talk too much." 



All at once I recovered the use of my organs of 

 speech and shouted : "Why don't you come over." 

 They all waved branches of the palm like cycad 

 they had torn from its head, as they 

 shouted back: "Why don't you come over?" 

 Well it did appear to me that it would 

 be easier for me to cross the smooth 

 waters than such a crowd. So trimming 

 off the plumes from a mass of cycad and tree 

 ferns, I soon had enough trunks to build me a 

 raft, I lashed them together with the mid ribs of 

 the cycad leaflets, which proved as strong and 

 pliable as buck-skin thongs. In a very few min- 

 utes I had a raft that floated like a cork, as the 

 centers of the trunks were full of pith. We after- 

 wards found this pith was quite starchy and made 

 very acceptable sago flour. In the mean time, the 

 party on the other shore had erected huts cover- 

 ed with leaves above, and open below so the wind 

 might circulate through them and the roofs 

 would not only deflect the ardent heat of the sun 

 but protect us from torrential rains with a reed 

 for a paddle I sprang on my raft and soon ferried 

 across to my beloved ones, I had never expected 

 to meet in the Permiam at least. Of course I was 

 delighted to find Maud. 



After our meetings they gathered in affection- 

 ate groups under the trees and told me of their 

 experiences since we last met. Mamma said after 



