1856.] Reflections lij a Resident of the Hill Side. 385 



lyji lui; \_iiicinnai.uat 



For the Cincinnatua. 



A DRIVE TO SPRING GROVE. 



"How peaceful and how powerful is tlie grave!'' Byron. 



It was on a lovely day in Novenibor last, when our system had 

 become depressed with an unusual lassitude that we betook ourself for 

 a ride out of town. Our horse and buggy being ready, immediately 

 after dinner, we started on our way, rejoicing in the glorious plea- 

 sure of leaving behind a smoky city, with "its artificial manners, its 

 arbitrary rules, and its cheerless pleasures,'' to snuff the fresh air of a 

 country drive. Passing out Vine street, and over what is familiarly 

 called the " 7?/ime," a fine opportunity occurred for seeing unsophis- 

 ticated Germany out of doors. 



On each side of the street could be observed innumerable si^ns 

 of "Lager Beer," for which commodity this part of the town has 

 become so justly (or unjustly?) celebrated. Upon the side walks, 

 was an immense throng of every age and sex, with every imaginable 

 shape, size, and color of smoke-pipe accompanyments. To many, the 

 use of this implement seems to have become an indispensable ap- 

 pendage in their daily pleasures. As we heard the merry laugh, 

 and looked around upon this rustic, artless, and unadorned people, 

 we could not but think they were happy ; and parted from them 

 under a high pressure of opposition to too much civilization ! Their 

 lot at least, is not one of splendid misery, if misery be known to 

 them in any shape. 



Arriving upon the summit of Vine street Hill, Mount Auburn, 

 Walnut Hills, together with a vast extent of enchanting scenery, pre- 

 sented itself to view. To a landscape of great natural beauty, is 

 added all the improvements of modern civilization. A few moments 

 longer and we were upon the refined, elegant, and classic ground of 

 Clifton; the only place in our beautiful State renowned for the doings 

 of its ''Farmers' Cluh." Here, too, is the residence of John Quill, 

 Esquire, its famous Secretary. We were almost tempted to call on 

 " John,'' en passant, but two very weighty considerations prevented 

 our coming into the presence of this distinguished personage. First, 

 want of time; second, the fear that "John" might insinuate that 

 we had called more for a glass of the ^'native,'' than exchange of 

 congratulations. 



26 



