"It is a ladybird."
"Yes, of course, we know that, papa; but Nancy and I say it is a bug,
and Louise says it's a beetle," explained Polly.
"Louise is right," was his reply. "It is classed as a beetle. It is
one of the best friends the farmer has, and the fruit grower too."
"How is it useful to him?" asked Nancy.
"Why, it eats the lice that spoil certain plants and leaves and grain.
I notice that the Australian government is--Do you girls know where
Australia is?" he asked, interrupting himself.
"Of course we do," they all shouted with much laughing, as if it were a
great joke to ask them such a question.
"Well, I was going to tell you that the Australian government is taking
steps to encourage the ladybird on purpose to help the fruit farmers of
that country. Perhaps they have heard that it brings good luck," he
added with a smile.
"Let's show it to Dickey Downy and then put it out of the door and let
it go home," said Polly.
"Dickey Downy wouldn't know a lady-bird from a grasshopper," answered
Nancy teasingly.
Polly retorted, "Don't be too sure! Dickey is a very intelligent bird,
a very extraordinary bird."
She contented herself with paying me compliments, for instead of
bringing the crimson beetle into the store she opened the window and
let him fly away.
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