ANIMAL LTFK. 155 



ANIMAL LIFE. 



" There is a pleasure in the pathless wood, 

 There is a rapture on the lonely shore. " 



UNDOUBTEDLY every one who loves nature has 

 felt the truth of the above assertions, but is not this 

 pleasure, this rapture increased by the addition of 

 animal life, whether it be the occasional glimpse of 

 the timid hare, the momentary glance of the graceful 

 playful squirrel, the sea-birds dipping o'er the count- 

 less waves, or the fish-hawk hunting for his prey? 

 Yes, there is society, where man does not intrude, 

 and that society the most enchanting, that of the 

 beautiful wild animals, rejoicing in their freedom, 

 happy in their liberty, knowing no fear, dreading no 

 intrusion. For hours in the far western forests of 

 America I have stood, scarcely daring to breathe for 

 fear I should disturb some family party, ay, although 

 I knew full well that but for a successful shot, sup- 

 perless I should have to sleep ; yet who that could 

 for a moment think, would wantonly destroy a mem- 



