_Columbus arrested, and sent home in chains――His fourth voyage――His
sufferings and death._
Bobadilla arrived at Isabella in July, 1500. Columbus, at this time,
was in another part of the island. No sooner was the former landed,
than it was apparent to the friends of Columbus, especially to his
brothers, what he intended. He began to issue his commands as chief of
the island, and took possession of the house of Columbus and
everything in it.
Soon after, this arrogant man summoned Columbus to appear before him.
This was truly humbling to the exalted mind of Columbus, conscious, as
he was, of no wrong. Yet he judged it wise to suppress his feelings
and comply with the command.
But little did Columbus expect such a reception as he met with. Little
did he imagine that it was in the power, even of enemies, to treat him
with so much injustice and indignity as he now experienced. No sooner
did he appear at Isabella, than he was seized, loaded with irons, and
confined to the fortress. His brothers, Diego and Bartholomew, shared
a similar fate. They were separated from each other, and Bobadilla,
himself, did not condescend even to see them.
Soon after, orders were issued for the departure of a vessel for
Spain; and in that vessel went the noble Columbus and his brothers as
prisoners and in irons. What a reverse of fortune! How often have the
benefactors of mankind met with unkindness from those from whom they
had a right to expect gratitude! How often have they met with
injustice, where they ought to have experienced honor and reward!
It was, doubtless, trying to Columbus to be thus seized, imprisoned,
and loaded with chains, and sent home apparently disgraced; but it
must have been most trying of all to him to have met with insults and
hoots from the multitude who had assembled to witness his departure.
The voyage was short. The master of the vessel treated Columbus with
kindness and respect, which served to soften the troubles which now
preyed upon his wounded spirit.
When Columbus arrived in Spain, and in chains, there was a general
burst of indignation, throughout the country, that he should have been
thus treated. The king, therefore, pretended that he had no share in
this treatment of the discoverer of the new world, and ordered him to
be set at liberty. It seems, however, that the heart of the monarch
was turned from him; for, during nine long months, Columbus remained
in neglect, and, finally, the king appointed Nicholas Ovando governor
of Hispaniola.
It was at last decided that Columbus should proceed on a fourth
voyage, which was commenced May 9th, 1502. His powers were indeed
restricted, and his constitution shattered; but still he panted for
new adventures and discoveries. He had this time four small ships and
one hundred and fifty men.
His particular object now was to discover a passage to India through
the Gulf of Mexico. After coasting along the shores of this gulf, and
making various discoveries, he was forced, by the crazy state of his
ships, to return to Hispaniola. He stopped at Jamaica, and finally
arrived at Santo Domingo. After experiencing a great variety of
sufferings, he departed for Spain, where he arrived in November. On
reaching Seville, he heard of the death of his friend and patron,
queen Isabella.
The sun of prosperity had now set upon Columbus. He was suffered to
linger in neglect and poverty. He was also attacked with sickness, and
detained till 1505, at which time, weary and exhausted, he arrived at
Segovia, the seat of the Spanish court. Here he applied to the king
for redress, but this was denied him. He lingered a year longer in
obscurity and poverty, till death gave him relief. He died at
Valladolid, on the 20th of May, 1506.
Thus ended a noble and glorious career, and one which teaches us a sad
lesson of the wrongs, injustice and cruelty of kings. As if to make
some amends for the sufferings of Columbus, his remains received a
pompous funeral,――a circumstance, however, which shows that his merit
was known, and that those who had injured him were conscious of the
wrongs they had done him.
* * * * *
THE CAT AND THE MOUSE.――A mouse, ranging about a brewery, happening to
fall into one of the vats, was in imminent danger of drowning, and
called to a cat to take him out. “It is a foolish request,” replied
the cat; “for, as soon as I get you, I shall eat you.” The mouse
piteously replied that that fate would be better than to be drowned in
beer. The cat lifted him out; but the fumes of the beer caused pussy
to sneeze, and the mouse took refuge in his hole. The cat called upon
mousey to come out: “You rascal, did you not promise I should eat
you?” “Ah!” replied mousey, “but you know I was _in liquor_ at the
time.”
* * * * *
FABLE OF THE HUMMING-BIRD AND BUTTERFLY.――A humming-bird once met a
butterfly, and, being pleased with the beauty of its person and the
glory of its wings, made an offer of perpetual friendship.
“I cannot think of it,” was the reply, “as you once spurned at me, and
called me a crawling dolt!”
“Impossible!” exclaimed the humming-bird. “I always entertained the
highest respect for such beautiful creatures as you.”
“Perhaps you do now,” said the other; “but, when you insulted me, I
was a caterpillar. So let me give you this piece of advice: Never
insult the humble, as they may one day become your superiors.”
* * * * *
Some time since, some men took twenty-one geese from a farm-yard in
Kent, England, belonging to a Mr. White. A gander, which belonged to
the flock, was left behind, with a bag tied round its neck, containing
twenty-one pence, and the following poetic excuse written on a slip of
paper:
“Dear Mister White,
We wish you good night,
We are sorry we cannot stay longer;
We have taken twenty-one geese,
At a penny a piece,
And left the amount with the gander.”
[Illustration: _Washington Irving’s cottage._]
Washington Irving’s Cottage.
It is curious to observe the interest attached to everything connected
with a great man. We love especially to visit the residences of those
who have excited our admiration either by their writings or their
actions. It may be pleasant to our readers, therefore, to see the
picture, on the opposite page, of the cottage of Washington Irving, a
pleasant and amusing writer, who has acquired great reputation. There
are very few persons, in this country, who have not read some of his
books.
The cottage, of which we have given a picture, is situated in a
secluded spot, on the eastern bank of the Hudson river, a considerable
distance above New York. The place is called Sleepy Hollow, and is the
scene of one of Mr. Irving’s best stories. The building is a curious
one, seeming to partake partly of the English and partly of the Dutch
style of architecture.
The place is remarkable for the quiet and tranquillity that reign
around. The whistle of the quail and the tapping of the woodpecker are
almost the only sounds that are heard.
In this delightful spot Mr. Irving fixed his residence some years ago.
But, about two years since, he was appointed minister to Spain, and in
this capacity he is now living at Madrid.
Jumping Rabbit’s Story.
CHAPTER VI.
If I were to give a minute account of all that happened while I was
with the Indians, it would fill a large book. Perhaps I may, some time
or other, give a more particular account of my adventures; but I must
now condense my narrative, and give only the leading events of my life
with the Indians.
I continued for nearly six years with the tribe of Kickapoos, who
first made me their captive. During this period these Indians
frequently shifted their abode, partly with a view to the acquisition
of game, and partly to escape the neighborhood of troublesome enemies.
We had occasional skirmishes with other tribes, and once a serious war
with the Osages.
Small companies of white hunters and fur traders sometimes visited our
camp, taking our furs, and giving us powder, ball and trinkets in
return. The trade in furs became more and more an object to the tribe,
and, finally, it was a part of their system to despatch some of the
men every winter to the mountainous country at the west, for the
purpose of killing foxes, wild-cats, and other animals, in order to
obtain their skins.
I accompanied one of these parties, which consisted of eleven men. We
proceeded, early in the autumn, to the Rocky Mountains, and, hearing
that game was very abundant on the other side, we traversed that
immense range, and found ourselves upon its western slope. We came to
a river, which, it was said, emptied its waters into a great salt
lake. Impelled by curiosity, we continued our ramble to the westward,
and, at last, reached the shores of the Pacific.
Novelty strikes even the imagination of the savage. Our party were,
therefore, not a little excited when they gazed at the boundless sea,
and noticed the greenish tinge of its waters. When they tasted it, and
perceived its salt and bitter flavor, they spit violently, and uttered
a great many exclamations of astonishment. It was here that I first
saw a ship. This was one of the American vessels, going to trade with
the Indians on the north-west coast, and obtain their furs. She passed
near us, and I could easily distinguish her sails, her ropes, and some
of the men. I had often heard of the white people, since I had been
with the Indians, but nothing I had ever seen had given me such an
idea of their skill and power as did this vessel.
We lingered along the shores of the Pacific for some weeks, and here
we met with various tribes of Indians. Some of these were called
Flat-heads, the upper part of their heads being flattened, by placing
them in infancy between two boards. It may seem difficult to account
for the prevalence of such a painful and unnatural custom; but we must
remember that fashion governs the Indians as well as the white people.
Some of the savages bore holes through their ears and noses, for the
purpose of suspending jewels therein. Some submit to a burning of the
flesh, in order to tattoo the skin; and those we have just mentioned
compress the skull between two boards. These things are all done in
compliance with fashion.
We at last returned to the Rocky Mountains, and spent the winter in
the pursuit of game. We killed a number of wild sheep and wild goats,
and several beautiful little antelopes. These creatures we found in
small herds at the eastern foot of the mountains. They were
exceedingly agile, with gentle, black eyes and mild countenances, and
seemed to speed over the ground almost as swiftly as a bird could fly.
Loaded with furs of various kinds, we set out for our return. One
night, as we were encamped upon the banks of a small river, we were
attacked by a party of about twenty Pawnees. Two of our Indians were
killed, and the rest escaped. I was myself taken prisoner, and nearly
the whole of our furs fell into the hands of the assailants.
I was now taken with my new captors to the encampment of the Pawnees,
a distance of five days’ journey. I submitted with apparent
satisfaction to my captivity, and, making myself useful, soon acquired
the favor of the people among whom I was now adopted. I had, however,
no real attachment to them, and determined to seize the first
favorable opportunity for my escape. Several months passed, and I
began to be more reconciled to my lot, particularly as I was now
regarded as a leader among the hunters of the tribe.
A plan was now set on foot for a marauding expedition against the
Indians dwelling far to the eastward of our present position. We had
plenty of horses, and thirty of us, well mounted and equipped, set
forth upon the proposed adventures. We proceeded eastward, and
traversed a large extent of country, and, at last, came within the
vicinity of some scattered settlements of white men.
I now discovered that it was the purpose of my companions to attack
these settlements,――a circumstance which they had before concealed
from me. This concealment probably arose from their knowledge that I
was of white descent, and they were, perhaps, afraid that I would not
join them heartily in plundering my own kindred.
At last, however, they told me their scheme. Though I had been long
with the Indians, and had adopted their customs and feelings, yet I
was by no means pleased with the idea of attacking these white
settlements. I knew it was unsafe for me, however, to avow my
scruples; for, if their suspicion was excited, they would not hesitate
to send a bullet through my heart. I therefore received their
proposition with apparent unconcern. Perceiving, however, the keen
eyes of an old chief bent suspiciously upon me, I thought it necessary
to profess an interest in the enterprise which I did not feel.
The intention of escaping from the tribe, which I had formerly
cherished, now revived, and an opportunity was only wanting for me to
take leave of them forever. While I was in this state of mind, we came
into the vicinity of a small white settlement, consisting of four or
five houses. One of our party had been in this quarter before, and
knew the situation of these dwellings. They were all scattered, and
one of them he described as apart from the rest, and as likely to
afford considerable plunder.
It was thought best, however, before making the attack, to gain more
exact information of the present state of things among the settlers;
and, with this view, it was proposed that four of us should paint and
dress ourselves as Osages, and pay a visit to these white people under
pretence of selling them furs. We halted in the thick forest, and made
our preparations. Our party of spies then set out on foot, and
proceeded to visit the houses of the white men. We found five or six
log-houses built upon the borders of the White river, each of them
having some cleared and cultivated lands around them.
A little higher up the stream, we came to the other house which has
been before mentioned. It was larger than those we have described, and
had the appearance of considerable comfort and thrift on the part of
the inhabitants.
When we entered the house, we saw two women; one of them about middle
age, the other about sixteen. It was now several years since I had
been with the Indians, during which period I had not seen a white
woman. The moment I looked on those now before me, my former
associations and trains of thought revived. We addressed the oldest of
the females, and asked for a cup of water. She replied in tones of
kindness and courtesy, but I thought I could perceive something of
trepidation and anxiety in her manner. Her voice, also, awakened
indescribable emotions in my breast.
The young lady soon brought us a pitcher of water, and, when I looked
upon her, it seemed to me that I had never beheld a creature so
lovely. As the man of the house was not at home, we soon departed,
and, as our business was now accomplished, we proceeded straight to
our companions, whose lurking-place we reached late in the evening. We
communicated the information we had acquired, and it was soon resolved
to make an attack upon the last house we had visited, the very next
night.
The situation in which I now found myself was most painful. The
deepest interest had been excited in my breast toward those whom the
savages had resolved to sacrifice. The forms of the mother and
daughter continually haunted my mind; and a strange fancy that it was
my mother and sister whom I had seen, seized upon me. Improbable,
impossible, indeed, as this seemed when I considered it calmly, there
was still a conviction resting upon my heart that I was about to
engage in assailing the dwelling-place of my parents, with every
chance of sacrificing the lives of my kindred.
I was not long in resolving to take no part in this murderous scheme,
except to baffle it. But what could be done? To escape from the
savages, forever on the watch, and, doubtless, in some degree
suspicious of me, was a thing by no means easily achieved. I
determined, however, to make the attempt, even if it cost me my life.
It was the plan of the Indians to remain where they were till about
midnight, then to proceed on horseback to the vicinity of the
settlements, and, having tied the horses in some sheltered spot, to go
on foot to the assault they meditated. Early the next evening, the
whole party laid down for the purpose of obtaining some repose, their
horses having been fastened, so as to be at command. I had taken care
that my own horse should be imperfectly tied, so that I knew he would
soon get loose.
In the course of an hour, and after most of the company were asleep, I
heard the animal moving about. I then rose up, expressed some
surprise, and remarked that my horse was loose, and that I must go and
take care of him. One or two Indians, who were still awake, heard what
I said, and, seeing nothing suspicious in my conduct, I was permitted
to depart without interruption. I soon caught my horse, and cautiously
led him away from the slumbering party. When I had gone to the
distance of fifty rods, I mounted his back and plunged into the woods.
For more than a mile I took a direction opposite to the houses of the
settlers. Then, making a wide circuit, I turned and pursued my way
toward them. Coming to the bank of the river, I was guided in my
course, and ere long reached the first of those settlements which I
had visited with my Indian companions. I now woke up the people in the
several houses, and, in the imperfect English I was able to command,
told them of the attack that was meditated.
Four men, well armed, immediately started with me for the house which
was to be the first object of attack. It was nearly midnight when we
arrived and roused the inmates of the house. There was no time to be
lost, and immediate preparations to receive the enemy were made. In
about an hour we saw their dark forms gliding out from the edge of the
forest, and approaching the house. With a soft and stealthy tread they
approached. Two of them seized upon a large stick of timber, and were
advancing to the door, for the purpose of beating it in, when I thrust
my head out of the window and uttered the war-whoop. The astonished
Indians started back, and for a short time concealed themselves in an
adjacent thicket.
I knew that they would recognize my voice, and understand that their
plot was detected, and that preparations were made to repel it. I
hoped, therefore, that they would retire and give up their enterprise.
Such, however, was not their determination. In a short time they
rallied, and, setting up the war-cry, advanced with rapid steps toward
the house.
I marked the leader of the band, whom I knew to be the bravest man of
the party, and, presenting my rifle, I fired. The Indian fell with a
terrific scream. The rest of the party halted. There was a momentary
bustle, and the savages disappeared. We continued on the watch till
morning, and were then happy to discover that the enemy had carried
off their wounded leader, and abandoned the enterprise that had
brought them hither.
I had been too intently occupied, during the night, to think of much
beside the immediate business in hand, but I now turned my eyes upon
the inmates of the house. These consisted of four persons,――a husband
and wife of middle age, and a son and daughter now in the flower of
youth. The thought again crossed my mind that here were my parents, my
brother and my sister. At last, in the conviction that this was so, I
placed myself before the matron, and said, as well as I knew how, “Did
you ever lose a son?”
“Yes, yes! why do you ask?” said she, looking at me with intense
curiosity.
“He is here,” said I.
“You my son?” said she.
But I cannot describe the scene. It will be sufficient for the reader
to know that I had the happiness this day of being restored to my
family and saving them from the perils of an Indian assault.
* * * * *
“Where have you been this week?” “Me? I’ve been fishing.” “Catch
anything?” “Yes, a cold.” “Where were you last night?” “Ducking.” “Get
any?” “Yes, one.” “Where?” “In the river.” “How?” “Tumbled in.”
Inquisitive Jack.
CHAPTER XI.
_About Butterflies._
Our readers must not suppose that our little hero had no interest in
anything but insects. It is true that his mind being once engaged upon
this subject, his curiosity increased with his knowledge, and for a
time he preferred the study of insects to that of anything else. At
one period, as I have told you, he was greatly interested in beetles;
then in spiders; and then in bees. Finally he turned his attention to
butterflies. You may be tired of my story, but you must hear about
this.
One beautiful summer day, he saw a large butterfly seated upon a
flower――its wings were splendidly marked with figures of brown, black
and gold. They were almost as large as the palm of his hand. As the
insect sat upon the flower, he waved them up and down, seeming to fan
the blossom upon which it was resting.
Jack’s first idea was to rush upon the butterfly, and seize it. But he
had now acquired a habit of investigation. He had lost that instinct
which leads little, thoughtless children to snatch at every new and
pleasing object. He was no longer a mere child, but a thinking boy.
His mind was awake, and the pleasure he derived from its exercise was
a very great pleasure.
So Jack, having approached near to the butterfly, paused and examined
it carefully. He found that it had four wings, two large and two small
ones, and that it had six legs, four only of which seemed to be used.
While Jack was thus pursuing his observations, he gradually drew
nearer, until the alarmed insect took to flight, and, with a wavering
motion, swept across an adjacent meadow, until it was lost in the
distance. As Jack was in the habit of thinking about what he had seen,
he mused upon the little butterfly, and then he asked his Aunt Betsey
about it. She was ever ready to gratify his curiosity, and so she
proceeded to tell him about butterflies, pretty much as follows:
“You must know, my dear Jack,” said she, “that the family of
butterflies is very numerous; this consists not only of those which
pass under the name of butterfly, and which go abroad in the daylight,
but of those which are called moths, and which fly about at night.
“The butterflies have ever been regarded as among the most beautiful
objects in nature. They seem almost like flowers or gems, which have
become endowed with life, and, taking wings, soar away upon the
breeze. Thus the poet Moore speaks of them, as creatures
‘Which flutter round the jasmine stems,
Like winged flowers, or flying gems.’
“Who, indeed, has not observed these little creatures flying from
flower to flower, sipping the nectar from each, and seeming only to
think of the present happy moment? And who has not thought how like to
happy, heedless, children are these pretty butterflies?
“It is natural that the poets, who were always looking out for
beautiful things, should seize upon such a subject as the butterflies,
and we therefore find them often alluded to in poetry. Spencer, an old
English poet, thus describes one of these insects,――and it is a very
good description too:
‘The velvet nap which on his wings doth lie,
The silken down with which his back is dight,
His broad, outstretched horns, his airy thighs,
His glorious colors, and his glistening eyes.’
“The moths have also attracted the attention of the poet; and as they
are dazzled by a lamp at night, and frequently fly into it and scorch
themselves to death, they have been often compared to giddy youth, who
rush thoughtlessly into dangerous pleasures, and are thus lost
forever.
“The butterflies and moths have not only four wings and six legs, and
two horns or feelers, but they have a little tube or proboscis, with
which they suck in the juice of flowers. When this is not in use, it
is nicely rolled up, and packed beneath the head of the animal, under
a hairy cover made for the purpose.
“When examined with a glass, the body of the insect appears to be
covered with hair, and the fine brilliant dust upon the wings is found
to consist of minute scales.
“But the eyes of butterflies, are, perhaps, their most remarkable
quality. Some of these are simple, while others are composed of a
collection of magnifying lenses. It is said that in some butterflies
the eye consists of sixteen thousand lenses. If so, it would seem that
when a butterfly of this sort looks at a person, he sees sixteen
thousand images of him! Of the butterfly tribe, some live upon the
honey of flowers, others upon the leaves of plants, and others upon
dead wood. Some of them subsist upon animal substances, and are very
destructive to woollen cloths, furs and feathers. The honey-comb moth
we have already mentioned as often infesting the bee-hive, and preying
upon wax.
“While the butterflies, in their perfect state, have always attracted
the attention and excited the interest of mankind, the wonderful steps
by which they reach their perfect state have not formed a less
interesting subject of observation. Most insects have three states of
existence; they are first eggs, then worms, and then the winged and
perfect insect.
“But the transformations of the butterfly have ever been regarded as
very wonderful. The female deposits her eggs upon such plants as are
proper to nourish the little caterpillars which are to proceed from
them. The common white butterfly places hers upon cabbages. The
tortoise-shell and peacock butterflies place theirs upon nettles, &c.
These are generally attached by a kind of glue to the surface of the
plant. The moths are usually more careful, for they generally deposit
their eggs in some concealed place, and wrap them up carefully in a
downy substance.
“Butterflies do not enshroud themselves in a silken case, or cocoon,
spun from the mouth, as is done by many other insects; but their
process is more wonderful. When the butterfly egg is hatched, it
produces a caterpillar. This is a kind of heavy worm, usually
furnished with sixteen feet.
“It grows rapidly after changing its skin, which process lasts three
or four minutes, and frequently proves fatal. It is now furnished with
twelve round eyes, and feeds voraciously upon leaves. Having reached
its full size, it ceases to eat, and retires to some solitary place to
undergo its wonderful transformation.
“Here it proceeds to form a mass of silken threads, which it spins
from its mouth. This is attached to a proper place, and the
caterpillar is soon seen suspended by the tail. It now raises its head
a little, giving a curve to its back. This motion is repeated until a
slit is formed, first behind the head, and then along the back. At
length the skin of the larva disappears, and the chrysalis is formed.
This consists of a smooth, shining mass, speckled with gold.
“The newly-formed chrysalis of a butterfly, when opened, is found to
contain only a mass of pap, in which no trace of the limbs of the
future butterfly can be observed, yet the outer covering is marked
with all the external organs of the future butterfly in a very short
time after the skin of the caterpillar has been cast off. On opening
the chrysalis, indeed, after a proper space, we shall find, encased in
separate parts, the wings, eyes and other organs of the future
butterfly.
“When the insect has remained in this pulpy or chrysalis state for a
proper time, a motion may be perceived within. The skin, which is now
thin and dry, gives way, and bursting into four distinct and regular
pieces, liberates its little prisoner. This now emits a reddish
colored liquid, which superstitious people have called bloody rain;
its wings rapidly assume their proper size, and it joins its
companions in the air. The old poet Spencer thus happily describes the
new-born insect:
‘When he arriving, round about doth fly
From bed to bed, from one to other border;
And takes survey, with curious, busy eye,
Of every flower and herb there set in order;
Now this, now that, he tasteth tenderly,
Yet none of them he rudely doth disorder;
Nor with his feet, their silken leaves deface,
But pastures on the pleasures of each place.’”
CHAPTER XII.
_About insects in general._
I will now give my readers a short chapter upon insects in general,
extracted from Aunt Betsey Piper’s talk to her inquisitive nephew.
Insects are so called because they appear to be divided into two
parts, and the word _insect_ means _cut apart_. The insect tribe are
divided by naturalists into several orders. The first consists of
those that never have wings, as the spider, flea, louse, &c.; the
second consists of those which have wings, but so cased up as not to
appear when first produced, such as the grasshopper, earwig,
dragon-fly, &c.; the third is of the moth and butterfly kind; the
fourth such as come from a worm instead of a caterpillar, as the
beetle, bee, fly, gnat, &c.
We are very apt to conceive that insects, from their extreme
littleness, are very insignificant. But this is a wrong view of the
subject. In the first place, they are exceedingly ingenious in their
structure, and wonderful in their habits and instincts. A writer on
natural history says, that if we compare insects with the higher ranks
of nature, such as quadrupeds, birds, &c., we shall perceive in the
former all the peculiarities which belong to the latter; the piercing
eye of the lynx and the falcon, the hard shield of the armadillo, the
splendid tail of the peacock, the imposing horns of the stag, the
swiftness of the antelope, the fecundity of the hare, the
architectural powers of the beaver, the climbing powers of the
squirrel, the gambols of the monkey, the swimming of the frog, the
burrowing of the mole, and the leaping of the kangaroo; all these
things are found amongst insects, and often, indeed, in a redoubled
degree. The eye of the fly, with its thousand lenses, the scales of
the diamond beetle, the wonderful works of the hive, the ingenuity of
the spider, the transformation of the butterfly,――these and many other
interesting circumstances show that this class of animated nature
possesses strong claims upon our attention.
The amazing extent of the insect tribes also increases the interest of
this subject. In the royal collection at Berlin, in Prussia, there are
no less than twenty-eight thousand species or kinds of beetle.
Celebrated naturalists have calculated that there are, in the world,
five hundred thousand different kinds of insects, and countless
myriads of each kind. It is said that one single insect of the aphis
or louse tribe may be the living parent of six thousand millions of
descendants. If all the insects in the world were collected into one
heap, it would doubtless rise ten times as high as the top of
Bunker-Hill monument, near Boston.
The importance of insects may be gathered from another consideration.――
Some of them are very useful. The bee we have already noticed. We may
also mention the cochineal insect, which exists in great numbers in
the East Indies and in South America. It is a minute creature, of the
aphis tribe, one of which is hardly so large as a peppercorn. Yet it
is produced in such quantities, that many thousands of pounds are sent
every year, in a dried state, to America and Europe. They contain a
coloring principle, called carmine, which produces an intensely red
color. These insects are chiefly used for dying scarlet. In Brazil,
large estates are devoted to the cultivation of plants, for the
purpose of breeding them. Great quantities are also produced in
different parts of Spain.
Among the useful insects, we may notice the Spanish fly, which is
about three fourths of an inch in length, with brilliant green wings.
These are shaken down from the trees, it being their habit to feign
death when disturbed. They are called _cantharides_, and are used in
medicine, especially for producing blisters.
We might notice many other useful insects, but must pass them by. We
might speak, also, of the beautiful fireflies, which appear in
myriads, during the night, over our meadows and amid the forests; of
the glow-worms, which seem to burn with a mild and steady blaze, to
illuminate the darkness; and the great lantern moth of South America,
which is sometimes used to decorate the heads of females, and several
of which will answer the purpose of a torch.
But we must pass over these wonderful things, and consider that the
surface of the earth, the waves of the sea, and the very atmosphere
around the whole globe, are all the abodes of countless insects. Even
the stalks and leaves of plants are filled with them. If you will take
a microscope and look into the stalks of certain plants, you will see
thousands of little busy, bustling insects there, all of them seeming
to be in the full enjoyment of existence. Nay, if you will apply the
microscope to a tumbler of pure water, you will see that this also is
filled with living things. Thus the poet says:
“Full nature swarms with life; one wondrous mass
Of animals, creatures organized.
Through subterranean cells,
Where searching sunbeams scarce can find a way,
Earth animated heaves. The flowery leaf
Wants not its soft inhabitants. Secure,
Within its winding citadel, the stone
Holds multitudes. But chief the forest boughs,
That dance unnumbered to the playful breeze,
The downy orchard, and the melting pulp
Of mellow fruit, the nameless nations feed
Of evanescent insects. Where the pool
Stands mantled o’er with green, invisible,
Amid the floating verdure, millions stray:
* * * * Nor is the stream
Of purest crystal, nor the lucid air,
Though one transparent vacancy it seems,
Void of their unseen people.”
CHAPTER XIII.
_Conclusion._
I hope my readers are satisfied, by this time, that Inquisitive Jack,
in pursuing the study of insects, was not wasting his time. It not
only gave him a great deal of pleasure, but he obtained from it much
useful information. He went on, from one step to another, until he
understood the whole science of insects, which is called _Entomology_.
But I have told you the story of our curious little friend, not so
much to recommend the particular study of insects, as to show the
utility of habits of observation and investigation. You have seen, by
the story I have told you, that, by means of these habits, Jack not
only enjoyed a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction, but that he
became a very learned man; but I must tell you, what I have before
intimated, that his whole attention was not confined to insects. He
observed and investigated plants and flowers, and thus became a
botanist. He studied into the habits and nature of birds, and thus
became an ornithologist; and, in short, he mastered the whole field of
natural history. Perhaps I shall, some time or other, give you an
account of his proceedings in relation to some of these matters.
[Illustration]
The Close of the Year.
Look at the picture! It is winter――and the old man is toiling through
the deep, deep snow. A heavy burthen is on his back; the sky is dark
and gloomy; the scene around is desolate and chill. We can easily
fancy that the heart of the aged traveller is heavy; that his limbs
are weary; that a damp, cold moisture is upon his brow, and an
expression of bitterness and sorrow around his lips; yet he plods
stoutly on――and why should he not? If he were to despair, he would but
make the snow his pillow, and the sleety drift his winding-sheet.
Beside, he is not alone. A cheerful friend is with him; a humble one
indeed, yet one that will not desert him, whether in sunshine or
storm, in summer’s joy or winter’s sorrow.
There is something of truth and nature in this scene, and old Bob
Merry feels that it may be properly placed at the head of his annual
goodby. I cannot but entertain the idea that the old man in the cut,
may stand for my representative. He has his burthen, and I my cares;
he is making his way through the heavy drift, and I too am stumping it
on, amid obstacles and difficulties. He has his cheerful friend,
beckoning him on, and I, old and decrepit, am attended by the angel of
Hope, which ministers to me, even when all beside have deserted me.
That hound in the picture may seem to tell the weary and wayworn
traveller of the home that is at hand, of the bright hearth that burns
for him, of the warm hearts that are ready to receive him. And Hope,
the comforter, tells me too, that there are some bright firesides
where Bob Merry is a welcome guest; where his monthly visits are not a
tax, but a pleasure; where to him the latch of the door is free and
the string never pulled in.
These are my fancies――and though they may be but the dreams of a
conceited old man, I will still cherish them. Real or fantastic, they
lighten my heart, cheer my steps, and give me courage to pursue my
journey.
And now, my gentle readers, we are at the close of the old year! May
it find you good and happy. We are at the threshold of the new year;
may this, too, find you good and happy. What better wish can I utter?
And will you continue for twelve months more, the acquaintance which
we have so long sustained? Come! Black Eyes, Blue Eyes, and Grey
Eyes――one and all――let as pursue our rambles, and I promise still to
exert myself for your pleasure and profit! I have some of Bill
Keeler’s stories, which I have picked up, and which I intend to give
you. I have some curious adventures in South America; some stories of
the Old Man in the Corner, and other nuts to crack for you. So, girls
and boys, come along!
Our Correspondence.
The following letter we insert with much pleasure:――
RINDGE, N. H., Oct. 27, 1843.
MR. MERRY:
I have taken your Museum the past year, and like it very
much. I should like to have you put in another anecdote
about Bill Keeler. Will you be so kind as to put in the
following Riddles, if you please, to gratify a boy ten
years old?
1.
It is in the bolster, but not in the bed;
It is in the grave, but not in the dead;
It is in the rock, but not in the stone;
It is in the marrow, but not in the bone.
2.
I’m captain of a company
That counts full twenty-six;
And also with a party five
I deign to intermix;
With Adam I was seen to stay,
But Eve I do not like;
I’m always found throughout the day,
But never in the night.
Your affectionate friend,
SAMUEL B――――.
We have received answers from Mary G. D., F. W. B., J. F. T., and
some others, to our Twenty Questions about Animals, in the October
number of the Museum. Most of them are correct. As a specimen of the
letters on this subject, we insert the following, adding a few notes of
correction:――
BRISTOL, Oct. 25th, 1843.
MY DEAR MR. MERRY:
In the last number of your Museum, you wished your little
readers to send you the answers to twenty questions given
to us. I am quite a small boy, but I thought I would try
to answer them; and those that I may answer wrong I should
like to have you correct in your next number, and oblige a
little friend and subscriber, who is yet too young to write
for himself.
_1st question._ The five most remarkable quadrupeds in
Africa are the Lion, Zebra, Hippopotamus, Camelopard,
Hyena.(1)
_2d._ The three most famous animals in Asia are the
Elephant, Rhinoceros, and Lion.
_3d._ The Elephant is the largest quadruped, and is a
native of Asia.
_4th._ The Giraffe is the tallest animal in the world, and
found in Asia(2) and Africa.
_5th._ The Ostrich is the largest bird, and found in Asia
and Africa.
_6th._ The largest kind of serpent is the Boa Constrictor,
and found in Asia.
_7th._ The smallest bird is the Humming-Bird, and found in
America.
_8th._ The largest animal is the Elephant,(3) and lives in
Asia.
_9th._ The Orang-Outang most resembles man, and is found in
Borneo, one of the East India Islands.
_10th._ The Horse is the most useful animal to man.
_11th._ The Bison is the largest quadruped found wild in
America.
_12th._ The Grizzly Bear is the most fierce and formidable
wild quadruped in the United States.
_13th._ The Rattlesnake is the celebrated poisonous serpent
that belongs to the United States.
_14th._ I think the largest bird of prey in the world is
the Eagle.(4)
_15th._ To the question, what are the two most remarkable
animals of New Holland? I don’t know but one; that is the
Kangaroo.(5)
_16th._ The Eagle is the king of birds.
_17th._ The Butterfly is the most beautiful of insects.
_18th._ The Bee is the most useful insect to man.
_19th._ The Dog seems most attached to man.
_20th._ The Lion is the most powerful known quadruped.
Now, Mr. Merry, I have got through, and I should like very
much to know if I have answered them right, and especially
to know the other remarkable animal of New Holland.
Your little friend and subscriber,
E. M. G.
(1) Not _Hyena_, but _Rhinoceros_, of which there are two kinds in
Africa, the one-horned and the two-horned.
(2) The _Giraffe_ is not a native of Asia.
(3) The largest animal is the _Whale_.
(4) The _Condor_ is the largest bird of prey.
(5) The other most remarkable animal of New Holland is the _Duck-billed
Platypus_, a small quadruped, with fur like a beaver, and a bill like a
duck, living chiefly around the water.
Transcriber’s Note:
Words and phrases in italics are surrounded by underscores, _like
this_. One footnote was moved to the end of the article.
Words may have multiple spelling variations or inconsistent hyphenation
in the text. These have been left unchanged unless indicated below.
Obsolete and alternative spellings were retained. Misspelled words were
corrected. Obvious printing errors, such as backwards, upside down, or
partially printed letters and punctuation, were corrected. Final stops
missing at the end of sentences and abbreviations were added.
The following items were changed:
Added word “to” … to throw my hat off my head.…
The article “Truth Triumphant” was moved to the end of the May issue
so as not to interrupt the preceding dialogue between Ann and Lucy.
“Kitty” changed to “Nancy” ... But Nancy is a rational creature ...
Added missing page number to entry for Eccentric Characters in the
Table of Contents, Volume 6.