Some Learned Fables for Good Old Boys and Girls by Mark Twain. Short summary

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Insects from the forest poisoned a scientific expedition to study the world beyond their habitat. Everything they stumbled upon, they gave a far-fetched explanation.

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Science among the insects, spiders, and amphibians of the forest has steadily evolved. Some research expeditions disappeared or died. But now the Royal Scientific Society has outfitted an expedition to get out of the forest, explore unknown worlds, and make discoveries.

The scientists took a lot of manpower with them — dung beetles, ants, land turtles and water turtles. After a few days of travel, the expedition made its first stunning discovery — straight, low obstacles (rails) extending in both directions. This was described by the scientists as meridians.

At night 2 trains passed, christened the Spring Equinox and the Passing of Venus through the disk of the Sun. The poles along the railroad were carefully measured. It was concluded that this was the home of a prehistoric spider.

The insect houses were perceived as caves. Scientists attempted to decipher human writing from signs and billboards. The insects returned to the forest, confident that they had solved the mystery of the extinct human race.