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.

← CHAPTER XII.The Close of the Year. →