PROGRESS OF THE SEASONS. 39 



When I say that my I'amble extended some twenty-four miles, (I was 

 nearly nine hours on foot), some idea of my enthusiasm for Nature's loveliness 

 may be formed. I went out, suffering from the remnant of a seven weeks' 

 cold, cough, and catarrh. Bronchitis, and its ever-attendant " hacking 

 cough," had well nigh finished me ; but I returned with all the freshness of 

 renewed youth — regenerated both in body and mind. Tired I was — very ; 

 and so hungiy ! My Lares and Penates had foreseen this. Such an array of 

 welcome dainties graced the 'family table on my arrival chez nous, that 

 " appetite did indeed grow by what it fed on ! " 



Thus ended the 8th day of January, 1855 — a day in the year's calendar 

 that I shall ever fondly cherish. May many others be tempted to follow my 

 example ; and thus prove that pleasure is not confined to cities, nor to any 

 one season of the year. Only let us keep companj^ Avith Nature, and our life 

 must be a happy one. Chequei'ed it may be — for change is our lot ; yet will 

 it be so sweetly seasoned with variety as not to be simply bearable, but truly 

 enjoyable. Let me add, that a good night's rest completed all that any 

 honest heart could desire. I awoke on the following morning " like a giant 

 refreshed." 



I am now writing on January 15th ; and this is the first notable appear- 

 ance of a coming Winter. It is a hard frost, and there are evident symptoms 

 of snow in the near distance. Yesterday, however, (January 14th), was a 

 fine Spring day. The sun rose, with a radiant countenance of joyous energy, 

 and all Nature shared the benefit. The small remnant of the reigning 

 moon, (her last appearance but three), again faced her glorious rival, and 

 lingered in the sky till she was fairly dazzled, and ohliged to retreat. How 

 lovely she looked, as she faded from sight ! As for the birds, they seem 

 prepared, now, to do battle against any rigours of Winter that may await 

 them. They have had a rare time of it, so far. But everything in its season. 



" Some people " say, we shall suffer for all this ; and they begin to grumble 

 at Nature for dozing whilst she should be fast asleep. They forget her 

 ladyship's amiable disposition, and lose one half the enjoyments of life by 

 doubting her daily growing power. She must be active. It is her nature, her 

 delight to be so. Besides, will she not, by way of compensation, return vis 

 blessings a hundredfold for any trifling little disappointment we may have 

 had ? Aye — indeed will she ! Only let her fairly wake up, and put on one 

 of her winning smiles — how will the earth at her silent bidding teem with 

 new beauties, and our hearts be filled with shame at their want of faith in 

 her goodness, power, and superior judgment. 



Nature's reproofs are always gentle — therefore are they effectual. Her 

 Avorks are works of love and good will — therefore is all creation happy. Oh, 

 that we could all take a leaf out of our dear mother Nature's book ! 



Hammersmith, Jan. IQth, 1855. 



