ix A NATURAL NEW ENGLANDER 253 



attained to the higher success. The woodchuck 

 manages, for instance, to shirk the tribulations of 

 winter altogether, yet at the same time to stay 

 where he is, and to stop all expenses. Whenever 

 the Yankee tries to do that, he is obliged to 

 undertake a toilsome journey and double his ex- 

 penditures. But to comprehend the nature and 

 appreciate the success of this admirable economist, 

 we must acquaint ourselves with his ideals and 

 methods. 



The woodchuck is born in humble circumstances, 

 as one of four or five equally young and poor, but 

 honest, brothers and sisters. His natal chamber 

 is a snug room, retired some three feet under 

 ground, and his birthday is never far from the 

 first of May. It is not only well for a little 

 'chuck to start with regularity upon his methodical 

 career, but it prevents heartburning and strife 

 to have all the youngsters in the community of 

 practically the same age; it also facilitates their 

 education, both for teachers and taught, when the 

 whole body of youth can progress together from 

 the kindergarten to commencement-day, and be 

 graduated en masse. The concluding studies, no 

 doubt, are practical instructions as to mining, 

 courses upon the avoidance of projectiles, and 

 tactics of warfare with dogs, with occasional lect- 

 ures upon the mechanics of traps and the art of 

 tree-climbing. Some of the more ambitious even 

 emulate their human fellow citizens by going to 



