MY VINEYARD. 29 



look of calmness and resignation which she continually 

 wore, was more remarkable than all else. The physiog- 

 nomy of a cow is not easily read. 



I had procured some pigs and poultry by special con- 

 tract with Mr. Smith. They took to the new apartments 

 I had prepared for them with many manifestations of ap- 

 proval. I was particularly pleased with the air of wisdom 

 which one of the old hens exhibited as she conducted her 

 first explorations. Cocking her head first on one side and 

 then on the other, now taking a step forward vrith great 

 caution, and again halting for a moment on one leg, she 

 evidently took in at one scope the whole capacities of the 

 place. Hens seldom receive the credit to which they are 

 justly entitled. Their general contentment and uncon- 

 cern, and their manifest belief in life as a condition par- 

 ticularly well fitted to their enjoyment, are refreshing to 

 contemplate. I would by no means dispense with hens, 

 even though they were not in the habit of laying eggs. 

 It is a real enjoyment to go out of a sunny morning in 

 early spring, and Avatch them as they are demurely sun- 

 ning themselves on the south side of the barn. First one 

 wing is stretched out to bathe in the warm sunshine, and 

 then the other. Now perched on one foot, with eyes 

 closed in serene contemplation, and now nestled in the 

 straw, enjoying a quiet doze. A profound and impressive 

 silence of the whole congregation is succeeded by a gen- 

 eral couA^ersation. "W^iat they are talking about is not 



