2.  This worm varies much in size.  It is frequently an inch in diameter, but, as it is rarely seen except when coiled, its length can hardly be conjectured.  It is of a dull lead color, and generally lives near a spring or small stream of water, and bites the unfortunate people who are in the habit of going there to drink.  The brute creation it never molests.  They avoid it with the same instinct that teaches the animals of India to shun the deadly cobra.

3.  Several of these reptiles have long infested our settlements, to the misery and destruction of many of our fellow citizens.  I have, therefore, had frequent opportunities of being the melancholy spectator of the effects produced by the subtile poison which this worm infuses.

4.  The symptoms of its bite are terrible.  The eyes of the patient become red and fiery, his tongue swells to an immoderate size, and obstructs his utterance; and delirium of the most horrid character quickly follows.  Sometimes, in his madness, he attempts the destruction of his nearest friends.

5.  If the sufferer has a family, his weeping wife and helpless infants are not unfrequently the objects of his frantic fury.  In a word, he exhibits, to the life, all the detestable passions that rankle in the bosom of a savage; and such is the spell in which his senses are locked, that no sooner has the unhappy patient recovered from the paroxysm of insanity occasioned by the bite, than he seeks out the destroyer for the sole purpose of being bitten again.

6.  I have seen a good old father, his locks as white as snow, his step slow and trembling, beg in vain of his only son to quit the lurking place of the worm.  My heart bled when he turned away; for I knew the fond hope that his son would be the “staff of his declining years,” had supported him through many a sorrow.

7.  Youths of America, would you know the name of this reptile?  It is called the worm of the still.

Definitions.—­1.  Rep’tiles, animals that crawl, as snakes, liz-ards, etc.  Re-coil’, to start back, to shrink from. 2.  Co’bra, a highly venomous reptile inhabiting the East Indies.  In-fest’ed, troubled, annoyed. 3.  Sub’tile, acute, piercing.  In-fus’es, intro-duces. 4.  Ob-structs’, hinders.  De-lir’i-um, a wandering of the mind. 5.  Ran’kle, to rage.  Par’ox-ysm, a fit, a convulsion. 7.  Worm, a spiral metallic pipe used in distilling liquors.  Still, a vessel used in distilling or making liquors.

XVIII.  THE FESTAL BOARD.

1.  Come to the festal board tonight,
     For bright-eyed beauty will be there,
   Her coral lips in nectar steeped,
     And garlanded her hair.

2.  Come to the festal board to-night,
     For there the joyous laugh of youth
   Will ring those silvery peals, which speak
     Of bosom pure and stainless truth.