184 Drifting 



and-tumble gambols of their kittens ? Is not 

 the sly cuff on the ear that sends a kitten 

 sprawling indicative of a sense of fun on the 

 part of tabby ? Our author says, " so far as 

 we can venture to interpret their thoughts." 

 " Ay, there's the rub." No one can tell how 

 far it is safe to venture, but I go a great deal 

 beyond my neighbors. Our author con- 

 cludes, "In animals, as in man, humor is 

 the result of civilization, and not as we under- 

 stand it, a natural and spontaneous develop- 

 ment." I cannot subscribe to this. I know 

 little of domestic animals, but have got the 

 idea of an animal's sense of humor from wild 

 life, and confirmed it by what I have seen 

 of cats and dogs. 



While I have been drifting, and using my 

 eyes and ears instead of legs and arms, as is 

 advocated, the clouds, too, have been creep- 

 ing this way, and, while the morning is yet 

 fresh, it is certainly going to rain. Had I 

 consulted the barometer, I would have known 

 this; but then, knowing it, might I not have 

 stayed at home ? Why not enjoy part of a 

 day ? That the rain will soon be here does 

 not diminish one's pleasure, unless there is a 

 fear of getting wet, and this is all too com- 



