230 



has provided them with a rapidity of motiou in 

 tlie water whieli l)affle?4 jnii'siiirs : this excitt^s 

 surprise in tliose who witness the manner these 

 IMe lialf-fledged creatures swim md dhm^ m 

 as effectollj to avoid their numerous enemies. 

 A tyro, thinking it an easy task to capture them, 

 "as they cannot fly," enters tlie river for the 

 purpose of taking some of the dueklings, hut re- 

 ttmis exhauiteii a fatiguing chase, wJthoul 

 fwmisiatmg xnm to reward Ms trouble, marvelling^ 

 as lie directs his steps homeward, completely 

 crest'fallen, how the little imps could have 

 escaped. 



