92 MY GARDEN 



this must have proved to her ! As an artist myself 

 I can condole in the matter; for we have all been 

 through it. Our ideas are so much grander than 

 their embodiments, whether we compose, paint pic- 

 tures, write books, or build worlds. No doubt, 

 when first the great thought came, and she pictured 

 the mammal developing into a conscious being, dear 

 Nature felt her heart leap within her bosom. It was 

 a big idea, but like many another grand concep- 

 tion, broke down comparatively under the technical 

 difficulties of execution. We are an obvious dis- 

 appointment, yet in many respects a splendid failure. 

 She must try again ; and she will very likely suc- 

 ceed next time. What she should attempt is a being 

 with a more rational bent of mind, more patience, 

 and a better logical understanding of her own 

 fundamental principles than man has ever attained. 

 We may be fair material to work upon ; or she 

 may prefer to let us go and return herself to the 

 original starting-place (if she has not lost it) and 

 try again. But my own opinion is that, let her 

 only bear with us for a few more aeons, while 

 evolution does its perfect work, and she will 

 be surprised and pleased. Failing this course, 

 in Nature's place, I should turn my attention to 

 another Order, give the deep sea a chance, and 

 develop a consciousness of existence in the marine 

 Crustacea. A lobster with a mind might put his 

 intellect to better purpose than we do. Besides, 

 monopoly is always bad. It is time that the 

 mammals be taught that they are not everybody. 



