CHAPTER II. 
A SERIOUS DISCUSSION. 
N introduction to the Deans will not be 
^ necessary to those readers who have fol¬ 
lowed them in their rambles around Willow 
Brook, searching out the “Wonders of Familiar 
Objectsshared in their delving for the treas¬ 
ures hidden in the mines of “ Black Diamonds,” 
and more marvellous investigations among the 
“ Ocean Gardens and Palaces.” To those who 
have not thus enjoyed their acquaintance and 
fellowship a few words may be necessary in 
order to a proper apprehension of the inter¬ 
views which may be had in future pages. 
The home of the Deans was comparatively 
humble, being a small, neatly-kept cottage em¬ 
bowered by trees, shrubbery, and vines. 
The large number of well-arranged bird-cages 
distributed through the grounds, and the rustic 
seats placed in their immediate vicinity, showed 
21 
