learned the other day, gained almost all his wisdom from his observation
of animals. You know, he says to the philosopher:----

"The cheerful labours of the bee, Awake my soul to industry, Who can
observe the careful ant, And not provide for future want? My dog, (the
trustiest of his kind,) With gratitude inflames my mind; I mark his
true, his faithful way, And in my service, copy Tray--In constancy and
nuptial love, I learn my duty from the dove. The hen, who from the
chilly air, With pious wing protects her care, And every fowl that flies
at large, instruct me in a parent's charge.

Thus every object in creation;
Can furnish hints to contemplation;
And from the most minute and mean,
A virtuous mind can morals glean."

_Mrs. B._ Very true, my dear: and I am pleased to find you have
materials at hand to support your opinion.

_Ferdinand_. But I have interrupted you, mamma, in your account. Pray
go on, for I am very much interested in it, and want to know in how many
days the careful little laborers complete their house.

_Mrs. B._ In about ten or twelve days the mansion is finished; strong,
compact, warm, and perfectly fitted for all the purposes for which it
was intended; but very often, after this industrious little bird has
finished the shell of its nest, the house-sparrow seizes it as its own,
turning out the rightful master, and lining it after its own manner.

_Ferdinand_. Poor little bird! how I should pity him, to be deprived