thing of that propensity to the "root of
all evil," which had become pretty thoroughly incorporated with his moral
being, by dint of example, theory, and association. We have frequently had
occasion to remark how much more 'enjoyable,' for the intellectual and
independent, is a country on the decline, than a country on the advance.
The one is accumulating that wealth which the other has already possessed
and improved; and men cease to dwell so much on riches in their inmost
souls, when the means of obtaining them would seem to have got beyond
their reach. This is one of the secrets of the universal popularity of
Italy with the idle and educated; though the climate, and the monuments,
and the recollections, out of doubt, contribute largely to its charms.
Nevertheless, man, as a rule, is far more removed from the money-getting
mania in Italy, than in almost any other portion of the Christian world;
and this merely because the time of her wealth and power has gone by,
leaving in its train a thousand fruits, that would seem to be the most
savoury, as the stem on which they grew would appear to be approaching its
decay. On Martha's Vineyard, however, and in no part of the Great
Republic, indeed, has this waning season yet commenced, and the heart of
man is still engrossed with those desires that are to produce the means
which are to lay the foundations for the enjoyment of generations to come.

"That's luck, indeed, for a craft so early in the season," returned
Daggett, when his eyes had done snapping. "Are the critturs getting to be
wild and skeary?"

"Not more so than the day we began upon them. I have taken the greatest
care to send none but my most experienced hands out to kill and skin, and
their orders have been rigid to give as little alarm as possible. If you
wish to fill up, I would advise you to take the same precautions, for the
heel of the season is beginning to show itself."

"I will winter here, but I get a full craft," said Daggett, with a
resolute manner, if not absolutely serious in what he said. "Trouble
enough have I had to find the group, and we Vineyard-men don't relish the
idee of being outdone."

"You would be done up, my fine fellow," answered Roswell, laughing, "did
you attempt to pass a winter here. The Sea Lion of Humse's Hull would not
herself keep you in fuel, and you would have to raft it off next summer on
your casks, or remain here for ever."

"I suppose a body might expect to see you back