they
do, and grow all the more; would the oaks get so great, if they sprung
from a city hot-house?"

"Are you as happy as you would be, Squire, if you could remember no
affliction?"

"I enjoy happiness of a higher, sweeter and solider kind, I assure you,
as I think of all past sorrows. Who can have so sweet an enjoyment of
health, as one that has recovered from sickness, and walks out in the
animating air and light? Yes, some of my best joys come and cheer me
and strengthen me, after I have suffered. From anguish and bereavement
the brightest views of God have shone on my soul, as you have seen
rainbows shine brightest in the darkest skies."

"I cannot see everything as you do," said Mr. Nimblet, and went his
way, while Fabens was preparing to speak of several more blessings,
that would follow the cold seasons.

XV.

A WAR OF EXTERMINATION.

The people of Summerfield were never so thankful or happy as in the
beautiful year that followed the Cold-Seasons. Plenty returned to
abide there, and Prosperity re-appeared, leading Hope, Comfort, Peace,
and Joy in her jocund train. Still that continued a land of the earth,
bearing the thorn as well as the rose, having briers as well as berries.

The people were greatly offended. Wolves and foxes still infested the
woods, and many of their lambs and fowls were killed and eaten by the
animals. They were hated with increased hatred. Not because they were
any worse than they ever had been before; but the people grew impatient
of annoyance, and found it more and more difficult to see why wolves
and foxes were made; and why they were suffered to live, and prowl
about the abodes of men.

The birds too were very troublesome. Woodpeckers pecked the trees, and
robins plucked the first ripe cherries. Hawks pounced upon the
chickens, and crows and blackbirds pulled the corn. What were they all
made for, and poised upon wings, with an omnipresence to annoy our
race? Robins were good to eat, and they were more harmless, than
others; but why were blackbirds let loose on earth? and for what did
crows and hawks take flight in our air? Why were the brutal beasts and
troublesome fowls, saved out of the things that were drowned in Noah's
flood?

Fabens confessed he could not see for what good purpose wolves and
foxes were made; farther than the vagabond sort of happiness they might
enjoy, and the discipline they gave to man in griefs and vexations.
The predatory birds