ELF-PRESERVATION is the law of Nature; if a man suspects false play, he does rightly in endeavouring to circumvent the trick, providing always that it be managed without the breach of faith and honesty.

A hungry leopard having for some time laid in wait for his prey, at length espied a horse grazing. Knowing the nag to be swift of foot, he disguised himself as a physician, and in order to make his intended victim admire his wisdom, told him that he belonged to the college, and then made use of a few scientific terms which he had some how or other acquired, to shew the nature of his profession and convince his unsuspecting prey that he was entitled to the character he had assumed.

The horse perceiving his design, takes his cue accordingly. "Some days ago," said he, "I chanced to run a thorn into my foot, which is still very painful.""Oh! is that all," said the doctor, "hold up your leg, "I'll soon ease you." Without more ado, the leopard prepares to execute his treacherous design: but the horse being on the alert, gave the doctor such a kick, that he lay stunned on the plain, while the patient scampered off unhurt.