He was a fattish but active man of paralysing stupidity, a mass of imbecile enthusiasms […]

The large quintate leaves constitute a luxuriant, glossy green foliage.

The volatility of children is proverbial: from the cradle their attention is attracted toward the visible objects around them, particularly towards those which shine or move, or emit sound. Thus they have accustomed themselves to be all eyes and ears; not indeed for the dumb language of a book, or for lessons which are often monotonous and unintelligible, but in order to see and hear whatever may stimulate their natural curiosity.

Wear safety glasses when operating an electric drill.