222 HILLS AND LAKES. 



our pipes after supper, " that the dumb animal is wiser 

 in his instincts, than man is, in his reason and knowl- 

 edge. Did you ever notice how happy every wild 

 thing seems to be, and how all livm' things, but man 

 alone, seem to enjoy themselves after the fashion of 

 their naters? The bird hops, and flies about, and 

 sings in his great glee, full of happiness, even while he 

 is seeking the food that is to keep him from starvation. 

 The squirrels go chatterin' and friskin' about, chasin' 

 each other up and down the trees, leapin' from branch 

 to branch, or skippin' playfully along the ground. 

 The wood-rabbit leaps awkwardly about, cockin' his 

 long ears at every sound, and nibblm* at the forest 

 grass and tender leaves as he passes along. What of 

 all the wild things that we see around us, seem to have 

 a care or a sorrow ? They don't distress themselves 

 about to-morrow, for they know that it'll take care of 

 itself. They ain't studyin' and contrivin' about the 

 future, nor distressin' themselves about the past. 

 They go straight along, enjoyin' the good the day or 

 the season brings, contented whether it be more or 

 less. A dumb animal never does violence to his 

 nater. He don't eat anything that he don't like, and 

 his instinct makes him avoid what ain't for his good. 



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