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It seems that I am always trying to tell a better one, which is, at the most, a common human trait. This time it is about turtles—your turtle which climbed down four stories (p. 40, TIME, July 20), and one I know of which returned to the fold after 39 years.
Edward Birdsall of Yorktown Heights, N. Y. was a small boy in short pants in 1892. He wandered about his father's farm on Croton Lake and did the things that boys do. He picked up a small box turtle, carved his initials, E. B. 1892 on the shell and let it go. On July 15, 1931, Edward Birdsall, farmer, was mowing hay on his farm at Croton Lake when a turtle crossed the swath. He picked it up and saw the initials E. B. 1892 on its shell. His old friend had returned, no larger, no quicker and seemingly no older, after 39 years. He showed the "prodigal" to family and neighbors. Then he let it go again to wander another span of years, perhaps to be picked up once more by Birdsall, or by Birdsall's son, Edward Jr. who also carves turtles. Who knows?
WALTER E. HUELLE
Mount Kisco, N. Y.
Happy Salesman
Sirs:
They are picking on you a lot these days, aren't they? Evidently you need it. Probably keeps you in line. Here is another one:
That article on "Jobs" a short time ago [TIME, June 15]: "Selling things on commission (insurance, etc.) among the least attractive jobs." You made a statement. On what do you base your expression of opinion of the insurance job?
Many of your readers know that the insurance business has held up better than any other during the past two years. During 1930 when other lines were going down and down, the insurance business broke records. My own case is typical of hundreds. 1930 was my record year. So far in 1931, my income is ahead of the same period of 1930. I am not worrying about my job. Can you beat that? . . .
EDWARD F. WOOD
New York City