132 Old Primrose

able and worldly-minded pig, and desired
to slip into old Primrose’s place, become
owner of the little cottage and garden-patch,
and wear old P.’s hats and red Sunday waist-
coat.

So the next time that Daisy came along
to look at old P., George strolled casually
up, and remarked in an airy manner—

‘That's a very fine caterpillar, miss!”

“T’m not quite sure it zs a caterpillar,” said
Daisy.

“Why, my dear child,” said George.

‘Bless my soul! Why not?”
_ “Well, it has boots on,” said Daisy.

“Certainly! Very common thing among
caterpillars of that species,” replied George.
“Quite usual. Don’t you see, caterpillars
have to live in very damp places, and it’s
necessary to have pretty stout boots to keep
the feet dry—quite indispensable. I knew a
caterpillar once—very dear friend of mine—
who neglected this precaution and caught
a severe chill. Carried him oft in twelve
hours. Very sad!” and the pig hid his face
in the swill-tub to hide his emotion.