A great many new-fledged linnets are leaving 

 their nests in the shrubs and there seem to be 

 more young robins about since the cat has dis- 

 appeared. The wood-pigeon coos softly and the 

 song of the blackbird and the thrush cause the 

 surrounding atmosphere to vibrate in soothing 

 pulsations. The dainty little wagtail darts about 

 the lawn impelled by the rapid running motion 

 of his little feet, and on the fields he follows the 

 harrow in the same perky, fascinating way. 



I wonder if these birds suffer as we do from 

 discontent, that human attribute which often 

 brings upon its agent so much unrest and misery, 

 though in reality it is the fount from which all ad- 

 vancement and progress springs? Discontent is 

 generally condemned, and yet without it the 

 mainspring by which we always move onward 

 would be wanting. There would be no improve- 

 ment or reform if we were all content to remain 

 as we are and were satisfied with our surround- 

 ings, devoid of ambition. The restless dissatis- 

 faction and desire for change are implanted in us 

 to work our own advancement ; and the contented 

 spirit, however much we may admire and envy 

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