ADVENTURES OF A SNAIL

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12513, 31 July 1926, Page 16

ADVENTURES OF A SNAIL

It’s a beautiful day to set out and explore the world that old Hardshell has told me so much about. I am living in a beautiful forest of giant peas, and there’s such a lovely lettuce bed. The trunks of the peas are steep and long. On may way I shall pass Aunt Hardshell’s, and I can go in and rest there. At last I seem to be on the right path, but it proves to be a desert. The sun is high and burning hot. If only I could spy a friendly blade of grass! Here is a dock-leaf to shelter me. O dear! I’ve overslept myself, and it is full moon! I still feel so tired. . . I’ll stay here till daybreak. And now it’s another bright day. I have just met some dear old friends, and we intend to spend the day together. It is really a wonderful world. My second day is ended, and I have learnt so much from my friends. I shall not pass Aunt Hardshell’s house, after all. What an uncomfortable night this is. I keep hearing strange noises. Why, what a monster! It has long spikes in it, I know! It’s a hedgehog. Now I have come to some strange mountains chained together with bars. I will have to crawl through this crevice. I feel so terrified that I have decided to stay here. I am holding fast, but something is pulling me! It is two children! What a relief! I “fizzed” hard, so they dropped me. Why, I am in a beautiful grass. As lam so upset after my accident I will rest here. More strange noises! Thunder! and a downpour of rain! This is a better day. Not so hot. I’ll just wander around till nighttime. I am so glad this is another day. . . I just escaped death last night. A man with a big tin of poison was hunting for snails. Why did I leave my peas and lettuce? I’ve found a huge desert. It is so wide and long. There are huge animals, fighting dogs, and boxes running on wheels. O, for my peas and lettuce! I am thankful night is at hand. And on resuming my journey I’ve come to a nice little grassy track. It seems familiar ground I will rest until dawn. Old Hardshell is right ... the world is round, and I’ve been round the world this week. And I’ve stumbled back to another path that leads to home! ‘ JOAN UROUHART Eastbourne. (Aged 9).