60 BOULDER REVERIES. 



forms are seen. The first stone overturned to- 

 day revealed two kinds of crickets, two of ants, 

 a spider and a myriapod. Beneath a piece of 

 loose bark were snails in numbers, some cock- 

 roaches and several beetles. Well do I believe 

 that the lowly among nature's objects welcome 

 rain after such a drought with greater joy than 

 does the farmer whose crops depend largely, if 

 not wholly, upon its coming. 



The old farm dog is dead. Long has he been 

 ailing. Blind, deaf, and faltering in step, for 

 months he has lain in the shadow of the house, 

 showing his appreciation of his former human 

 companions only when food and drink were 

 placed before him. His has been a long life of 

 happiness, as length of life and happiness are 

 measured by canine meter. Many a marmot has 

 yielded its life unto him in days gone by. Many 

 a rabbit has sought the shelter of convenient bur- 

 row when he has followed too close upon its 

 trail. Many a squirrel has he chased to its den 

 in this old woods-pasture. Joyfully he barked 

 and jumped, vigorously he wagged his tail 

 when, in former years, his young masters came 



