THE YOUNG SCIENTIST, 
339 
takes up considerably less than a cubic 
foot. Then there are perfectly made 
stoves, all complete, which can be packed 
in a space of about 10 inches square. A 
modern canoe carries every necessary for 
a cruise in a remarkably small space. It 
is not to be wondered at that canoeing is 
populELY.''— Albany Journal 
Coleoptera. 
BY MARY H. WHEELER. 
In the field of a farmer a young student strayed, 
And in language of science most bland, 
He soliloquized thus of the specimens laid 
In a box which he held in his hand: 
*'The antennae geniculate, here at the joint, 
And the head is prolonged like a snout; 
To the tribe of Bhynchophora that seems to point. 
Yes, and there it belongs, without doubt. 
And in this the elytra are yellow and black, 
With the striae just five on each sheath; 
And the large under wings lie close down to its 
back; 
Mesosternum points forward beneath; 
The prothorax is spotted .and covered with dust. 
And the mandibles move with some force; 
€an it be the Doryphora ? Surely it must— 
The decem-Uneata, of course." 
The old farmer was standing a moment to rest. 
With his arm round the horn of an ox. 
With the large-sounding words he was greatly im- 
pressed. 
And he looked in the scientist's box. 
Then he laughed a haw! haw! and a merry ha! ha! 
And he bent and he shook with his laughter. 
And the echo that dwelt in the hillside afar 
iCaught the sound and repeated it after. 
And he said, as the student looked on in surprise, 
"Now, stranger, I mean ye no evil. 
But to think of your holding, while talking so wise, 
A potato-bug, there, and a weevil!" 
And he laughed and he shouted, with tears in his 
eyes, 
*'A potato-bug, oh! and a weevil!" 
Pittsfield, N. H. 
— Human foresight often leaves its 
proudest possessor only a choice of 
evils. 
— There is nothing more universally 
•commended than a fine day ; the reason 
is that people can commend it without 
euYy.—Shenstone. 
This department is intended exclusively for " Our Girls," 
and we hope to make it both interesting and instructive, 
and to this end we ask our young lady readers to assist by 
contributions, suggestions, or illustrations. There are thous- 
ands of little things that can be, and have been, made and 
done by young ladies, pertaining to decorative art, needle- 
work, etc., etc., that would be gladly followed but for a 
want of knowledge on the subject, and we know of no more 
pleasing task for a lady than that of teaching her younger 
sisters that which they are anxious to learn, and which 
may prove ot real benefit to them in the future, as 
well as being useful and interesting for the present. We 
trust we will have no difficulty in persuading those who 
have something nice to show or speak of, to make use o£ 
this department. Remember, it is open to all, and if you 
have anything worth knowing suitable for this column, 
send It along, and we will give it our best attention. Do 
not be afraid to write because you may fancy your com- 
position is not perfect, or have other scruples of a similar 
kind. Do the best you can, and leave the rest to the editor 
of this department, and we are sure you will be pleased with 
your work. 
—There lies across the mother's knee, 
And gathered in her hand, 
A little robe of pulfs and lace. 
With an embroider'd band. 
I see her smile, I hear her sing 
A low, sweet lullaby; 
And oft, I see a thought of joy. 
Light up her bright blue eye. 
It is a robe for her dear child 
To be christen' d in! 
There lies across the mother's knee, 
And gather'd in her hand, 
A silken robe, with puffs of lace. 
And an embroider'd band. 
'Tis white, and like a cloud at eve. 
That floats across the sky; 
But oh, I hear the mother give 
An oft repeated sigh. 
It is a robe for her dear child. 
To be wedded in. 
There lies across the mother's knee, 
And gather'd in her hand, 
A robe of softest wool; but it 
Has no embroider'd band. 
And on her cheeks so wan and pale, 
The mother's tears I see. 
And hear her pray. Lord, give me strength! 
Oh! give Thy strength to me! 
It is a robe for her dear child, 
To be buried in! 
— To rule one's anger is well] to pr6« 
vent it is hetter. —IJdwai'ds. 
— He who foresees calamities suffers 
til em twice oyer. —Porteus. 
