A BOSTON girl prefers a set of volumes that are uniform,
In Syriac, Chaldeaic, Sanskrit, Arabic, or cuneiform,
For these will test her palæontological ability,
And not insult her culture by superfluous facility.
She loves a scientific pedant, or, to use a synonym,
A specimen with printed name and label fair to pin on him.
Alas! I fear she will despise a book without a mystery,
That never once alludes to Art or Mediæval History;
But as she is compelled each day to recognise and meet her kin,
I trust she will accept at least this tale of Mrs. Peterkin.