It is with the approach of winter that cats...wear their richest fur and assume an air of sumptuous and delightful opulence.

Painting and music were the only things I worked at industriously and faithfully.

I still held fast to my determination to become a minister; it still seemed to me that that was my duty. I had pledged myself, in my prayers I had given my word to God. How could I therefore break my vow?

Often, before returning home, I would take a long and roundabout way and pass by the peaceful ramparts from where I had glimpses of other provinces, and a sight of the distant country.

Unlike most other children, - especially unlike those of today - who are eager to become men and women as speedily as possible, I had a terror of growing up, which became more and more accentuated as I grew older.

Through the study of fossils I had already been initiated into the mysteries of prehistoric creations.

I do not exactly remember at what period I started my museum which absorbed so much of my time.