Grandmamma. And what use is made of the long quill feathers, that grow in the goose’s wing?
Arthur. I never have been told.
Grandmamma. The quill part, by being cut into shape, is converted into pens for writing.
Charles. Do only geese furnish pens?
Grandmamma. Some people write with crow-quills: but they are too small for a bold hand; so that they are very little used. The quills of the turkey are too hard; and those of ducks and chickens, on the contrary, are as much too soft. Swan quills, however, make excellent pens; but they are too scarce to be in general use.
CHAPTER X.
The Deer.
In Mr. Mansfield’s neighbourhood resided a Mr. Ashley, a gentleman of large fortune, and of a very obliging disposition. He had heard that Arthur and Charles Benson were at their grandpapa’s on a visit, and one day he sent for them to play with his son William, a little boy nearly of their own age. The Bensons went, and William took them into the park, where they amused themselves for some time by the play of trap-ball. The game was at last suddenly broken off by master Ashley, who threw down the bat upon the ground, exclaiming that his pretty tame fawn was coming in sight, and that he must go and stroke it. The Bensons were rather sorry to be interrupted in their play; but, as they had been early taught, that it was often necessary to give up their own inclinations to the wishes of others, they left off with the utmost good humour. “Look at the pretty creature!” said William Ashley, caressing the fawn. “I wish I had a bit of bread here: it would eat it out of my hand.”
“I have found a piece of biscuit in the corner of my pocket,” said Charles. “Here it is. I will feed it, if you please.”