NATURAL HISTORY.
CONVERSATION I.
Uncle Philip tells the Children about a Fly that can work with a Saw and a Rasp, like the Carpenter.
"Well, boys, this is a beautiful day. The sun is shining brightly, and the birds are singing, and the insects are flying about, and the grass is green, and every thing appears pleasant, and you feel happy too, and have come, I suppose, to see old Uncle Philip."
"Yes, Uncle Philip, we are tired of playing now, and so we have come to ask you to talk with us, and tell us about some of the curious things you know."
"Well, boys, I will tell you about some very strange things. I will talk to you about animals that know how to work with tools like a man."
"Work with tools, Uncle Philip! That is strange; but we know it is so, if you say so; because you will not tell us any stories but true ones. But where do they get the tools?"
"Ah, boys, 'the hand that made them is divine!' They get them where we get all that is useful and good,—from God. The Bible says that He 'is wise in heart, and wonderful in working;' and he has made many a poor little insect, and given it tools to work with for its comfort, as good and perfect as any that man can make. Yes, these poor little creatures had tools long before man had. God cares for the insects, boys, as well as for us."
"But, Uncle Philip, what sort of tools do you mean? Tell us about them."