The Excellence of Misfortune 



"We can well afford to look backward, to go to 

 the ant, consider her ways and be wise. 



The mistakes of a lifetime are fewer among 

 the lower forms of life than among ourselves. 

 Theirs is greater singleness of purpose and so 

 proportionately less risk of erroneous judg- 

 ment; but mistakes do occur, difficulties con- 

 front and barriers are found set up against 

 them. Disappointment doubtless ensues, but 

 not despair. The brain is quickened by the test 

 to which it is put, not rendered sluggish by de- 

 spondency. Experimentation on our part shows 

 this to be true. Interfere with a bird while the 

 nest is being built, and we have one of two re- 

 sults ; the structure is completed to conform to 

 the altered surroundings, or a new site is cho- 

 sen; the purpose of nest-building is not aban- 

 doned. The ' ' try, try again, ' ' that is dolorously 

 chanted in the nursery, often to the child's dis- 

 gust, is not needed in the nurseries of Nature. 

 To repeat the effort is a matter of course. That 

 life is labor is recognized by wild life at the 

 outset of each individual's career and accepted 

 cheerfully. We cannot always say as much for 

 ourselves. 



Throughout our summers we have several 

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