As to the style of this work a word may be said; not, of course, for the purpose of disarming criticism (for truly the writer has never supposed his trifle worth the critic's labour or notice), but simply to remark, that the object has been to write for the minds of _children_; if the book be intelligible to them, the utmost ambition of Uncle Philip will be attained. Truth and plainness were all he sought. The first he believes he has attained; and to determine his success in attempting the last, he turns from the parents, and looks for the decision of the question to the suffrages of the children. He would rather hear the expression of satisfaction from the lips of one intelligent little reader, than receive the words of approbation from many who are elders; the first is testimony derived from experience, the last is but opinion. Children always know better than any one else does what books they understand. In conclusion, the author owes it to himself to say to the parents of his young countrymen, and to the patrons of the "Boy's and Girl's Library," that what he has written will be found on the side of religion and morals. So far as these important points are concerned, the writer is not ashamed to avow himself a Christian; nor yet does he mean to make it the subject of boasting. In his simple view, Christianity is a very quiet and gentle thing, which eschews strife, and promotes practical goodness; and truly can he say, that he has indulged in some of his happiest and, as he trusts, his holiest musings when, in the solitary pursuit of his favourite science,--to use the language of good old Izaak Walton, that simple-hearted lover of God, and all his works,--"he has looked upon the wonders of nature with admiration, or found some harmless insect to content him, and pass away a little time, without offence to God, or injury to man." CONTENTS. Page CONVERSATION I. About a Fly that can work with a Saw and a Rasp, like the Carpenter 13 CONVERSATION II. About Grasshoppers and Bees that bore Holes with a Gimlet 19 CONVERSATION III. About Animals that are Tailors 27 CONVERSATION IV. About the first Paper in the World made by Wasps 41 CONVERSATION V. A Story about Tom Smith, and of Bees with Brushes and Baskets, and of a Bird with a Chisel, and a Gnat with a Lancet 53 CONVERSATION VI. About Animals that can do Mason's Work 66 CONVERSATION VII. About Animals that throw Dirt with a Spade; and about an Animal with a Hook; and about one that is a Wire-drawer 80 CONVERSATION VIII. About a Door, with a Hinge and Spring to it, made by a Spider; and the Difference between God's Work and Man's 94