I have always been a pack rat, a frank and unashamed pack rat just for the simple reason that I enjoyed being one. My dear friend, Professor Edward S. Morse, who was of the same breed, rationalized all sorts of benefits which accrued to mind and soul as a result of the collecting instinct. This may be possible. He believed in teaching children to collect cigar bands, match boxes, and Heaven knows what all. I never descended quite this low, but a pack rat I have been through my whole unashamed life.

Here are some little essays which I have accumulated which describe all sorts of notions and events. I hope reading them may give some of my friends as much pleasure as writing them has given me.

Cambridge, Massachusetts T. B.

October, 1945 . . .