Ix A NATURAL NEW ENGLANDER 253 
attained to the higher success. The woodchuck 
manages, for instance, to shirk the tribulations of 
winter altogether, yet at the same time to stay 
where he is, and to stop all expenses. Whenever 
the Yankee tries to do that, he is obliged to 
undertake a toilsome journey and double his ex- 
penditures. But to comprehend the nature and 
appreciate the success of this admirable economist, 
we must acquaint ourselves with his ideals and 
methods. 
The woodchuck is born in humble circumstances, 
as one of four or five equally young and poor, but 
honest, brothers and sisters. His natal chamber 
is a snug room, retired some three feet under 
ground, and his birthday is never far from the 
first of May. It is not only well for a little 
*chuck to start with regularity upon his methodical 
career, but it prevents heartburning and strife 
to have all the youngsters in the community of 
practically the same age; it also facilitates their 
education, both for teachers and taught, when the 
whole body of youth can progress together from 
the kindergarten to commencement-day, and be 
graduated ex masse. The concluding studies, no 
doubt, are practical instructions as to mining, 
courses upon the avoidance of projectiles, and 
tactics of warfare with dogs, with occasional lect- 
ures upon the mechanics of traps and the art of 
tree-climbing. Some of the more ambitious even 
emulate their human fellow citizens by going to 
( 
