IOO . MY SUMMER IN A GARDEN. 



breeze will come at intervals, which can be heard 

 in the tree-tops, and which is an unobtrusive 

 benediction. I hear a quail or two whistling in 

 the ravine ; and there is a good deal of fragmen- 

 tary conversation going on among the birds, 

 even on the warmest days. The companionship 

 of Calvin, also, counts for a good deal. He 

 usually attends me, unless I work too long in 

 one place ; sitting down on the turf, displaying 

 the ermine of his breast, and watching my move- 

 ments with great intelligence. He has a feline 

 and genuine love for the beauties of Nature, and 

 will establish himself where there is a good view, 

 and look on it for hours. He always accompa- 

 nies us when we go to gather the vegetables, 

 seeming to be desirous to know what we are to 

 have for dinner. He is a connoisseur in the 

 garden ; being fond of almost all the vegetables, 

 except the cucumber, a dietetic hint to man. 

 I believe it is also said that the pig will not eat 



