talking of being ready to eat things for which they may have an
antipathy. We know that locusts, and sea-slugs, and bird? nests, are
considered great delicacies in some countries, and so are dogs by
several people, and really I do not see why a dog should not be as
delicate as a pig."

"Well! I declare that it is next door to cannibalism to eat a dog,
man's faithful friend and protector," cried Buttar, who was more of a
sportsman than any of the rest of the party. "I would sooner starve
than eat my old dog, Ponto."

"I am not at all an advocate for the practice of dog eating," said
Ernest. "But I do argue that civilised and educated people, as we
profess to be, should obtain a far greater knowledge of the productions
of the earth than we possess." Gregson was glad to find himself so well
supported, and the rest finally agreed that they would get books and try
and pick up some knowledge on the subject.

"Books are all very well, and very important indeed; but they alone
won't do; you must study and examine for yourselves. Books will, by
themselves, never give you a practical knowledge of natural history."
This conversation lasted till the merry party arrived at the stream
where they proposed to fish. They all set to work, each in his own way.
Ernest was the only fly-fisher of the party. There was a light breeze
which just rippled some of the deep pools in the stream, and as he
walked up it, passing his companions one after the other, he seldom
passed ten minutes without getting a rise and catching a fish.

"Hillo, Gregson," said Bouldon; "I thought you, with your stick, were
going to catch more than any of us. There's Bracebridge far ahead of
you already; you'll be beaten, old fellow."

"Wait a bit," answered Gregson quietly. "My fish have not begun to bite
yet. I am thinking of trying the pond for an hour or so. I
ground-baited it as I came by, and I have no doubt I shall catch
something." Bouldon, who was the worst fisherman of the party, in
consequence chiefly of his want of patience, accompanied Gregson in the
hopes that he might benefit by the ground-bait.

"What is it you put in?" he asked. The young naturalist showed him some
balls which looked like balls of clay with some red seams, but they were
composed of clay and bran, and gentles, and red worms, and one or two
other ingredients, which Gregson averred would attract all sorts of
fish. "You must not interfere with my sport, but you shall