




to some of the antique lamps, so often met 
with in the collections of the curious. The 
cavity, or reservoir, as it has aptly been 
termed, which occupies the centre of the 
‘leaf, is at all times partially filled with water, 
originating from the dews or rains. Into 
these, numerous species of coleoptera and 
other insects venture, and are not unfre- 
quently found drowned. They have met 
their death in pursuit of a saccharine con- 
cretion that copiously exudes from their 
internal surfaces. 
By this beautiful provision of nature, these 
plants are not only abundantly supplied with 
moisture when the excessive heats of summer 
are likely to prevail for any length of time, 
and create unusual drought—but they are 
likewise thus furnished with the usual amount 
of animal food which they may necessarily 
require for their sustenance. 
The manner in which these insects are 
imprisoned is curious. , Immediately below 
the throat of these cavities, for the space of 
nearly an inch, the surface is highly polished; 
while the lower part of the tube is covered 
with rigid hairs, all pointing downward. 
When an insect, in the first instance 
attracted by the secretion of the plant, or 
perhaps even by the water—descends (as it 
can easily do along the declining pubescens), 
it appears incapable of again ascending by 
its feet alone; and can escape only by a flight 
So perpendicular as to surpass the power of 
most insects. Whenever they touch the 
bristly sides of the tube, they are precipitated 
again to the bottom, and have to renew their 
efforts; and many of them, even of the 
largest size, perish in this arduous and hope- 
less struggle. 
This is “one” only of many millions of 
wonders, which await the eye of a curious 
observer and student of Nature. Let us 
begin the New YEAR with new energies, and 
search out more of these marvels. 

NOTES ON OUR “ NOBLE” BIRDS. 

AN EAGLE, although he may have been 
trained for a long time, and with great care, 
for the purpose of hunting, is just as likely 
to swoop at and kill his master’s dogs, or 
even to attack a man himself, as to fly at any 
game. In this he differs from the falcons ; 
that is, those of the hawk tribe, who are 
called “noble falcons” in contradistinction 
to those termed “ignoble.” 
The Iceland, the Greenland, the peregrin, 
and the merlin also, are all “noble falcons.” 
The latter, formerly in high repute for the 
chase, is now so seldom seen in this country, 
either alive or dead, that little is known as 
to his merits; but the other noble hawks 
that I have enumerated are all of a most 
kindly and tractable disposition ; and possess 
KIDD’S OWN JOURNAL. 



357 
that great courage which gives them the full 
confidence in man which is necessary for 
their education. These birds have also great 
aptitude to receive instruction; their habits 
are social: and before they have been long in 
confinement they become perfectly contented 
with their lot. 
When out in the field, a trained hawk is 
in no way flurried or alarmed by the move- 
ment of men or dogs, but sits looking, when 
unhooded, with calm confidence on all that 
is going on around him; and, although his 
fine dark eye evinces neither fear nor dis- 
quietude, not the smallest bird can pass with- 
out his immediately descrying it, and intently 
watching it until it is lost in the distance— 
and great must that distance be which 
conceals any bird from the falcon’s eye! 
Ihave often, says St. John, in his Scotch 
Tour, fired my, gun off at a bird witha hooded 
hawk sitting on one arm, without his evincing 
the least fear or uneasiness ; as great a proof 
of his courage as need be required. In fact, 
a hawk, like a dog, soon learns to look upon 
her master as her best friend. 
SELF-DENYING CHARITY. 

THERE is a great talk in the world about 
Charity ; but it is (most of it) ostentatious charity. 
The right hand and the left hand know all about 
it. Let us hear what Frerprne says touching the 
matter :— 
“There is one degree of charity which has a 
singular species of merit ; and that is where, from 
a principle of benevolence and Christian love, we 
bestow on one another what we really want our- 
selves ; where, in order to lessen the distresses of 
another, we condescend to share some of them by 
giving what even our own necessities cannot well 
spare. ; 
“This is truly meritorious. But to relieve our 
brethren only with our superfluities—to be chari- 
table rather at the expense of our coffers than 
ourselves—to save several families from misery, 
rather than hang upan extraordinary picture in our 
houses, or gratify any other idle ridiculous vanity— 
this seems to be only being human creatures. 
Nay, itis in some degree being epicures; for 
what could the greatest epicure wish, rather than 
to eat with many mouths instead of one? ‘This 
may be predicated of any one that knows that 
the bread of many is owing to his own largesses.”’ 
If Frevprne were living now, how very. much 
shocked he would be at the modern view of 
Charity! Our English adage,—“ Charity begins 
‘at home,’ ” would make “ each particular hair on 
his head to stand on end!” 
THE GOLDEN SUN. 

A blessed thing the golden sun, 
Who kisseth morning dews away ; 
And blessed things the dews that run 
O’er bud and blade at close of day, 
To give them bloom and bid them be. 
Fair gems in Nature’s treasury. 


























