no Up the Creek 



proves one of abundant realization at the 

 finish. 



A certain midsummer Saturday was not 

 an ideal one tor an outing, but with most ex- 

 cellent company I ventured up the creek. It 

 was my friend's suggestion, so I was free from 

 responsibility. Having promised nothing, I 

 could in no wise be justly held accountable. 

 Vain thought ! Diredlly I suffered in their 

 estimation because, at mere beck and nod, 

 polliwogs were not forthcoming and fishes 

 refused to swim into my hand. What strange 

 things we fancy of our neighbors ! Because 

 I love the wild life about me, one young 

 friend thought me a magician who could 

 command the whole creek's fauna by mere 

 word of mouth. It proved an empty day 

 in one respeft, animal life scarcely showing 

 itself. To offer explanations was of no avail, 

 and one of the little company recast her 

 opinions. Perhaps she even entertains some 

 doubt as to my having ever seen a bird or 

 fish or the coveted polliwog. 



It is one thing to be able to give the name 

 and touch upon the habits of some captured 

 creature, and quite another to command its 

 immediate presence when we enter its haunts. 



