PROPOSED FISHING EXCURSION. 17 



most poetical object in nature. I will not fail 

 to obey your summons. Pliny has, as well as 

 I recollect, compared a river to human life. 

 I have never read the passage in his works, 

 but I have been a hundred times struck with 

 the analogy, particularly amidst mountain 

 scenery. The river, small and clear in its 

 origin, gushes forth from rocks, falls into deep 

 glens, and wantons and meanders through a 

 wild and picturesque country, nourishing only 

 the uncultivated tree or flower by its dew or 

 spray. In this, its state of infancy and youth, 

 it may be compared to the human mind in 

 which fancy and strength of imagination are 

 predominant — it is more beautiful than useful. 

 When the different rills or torrents join, and 

 descend into the plain, it becomes slow and 

 stately in its motions ; it is applied to move 

 machinery, to irrigate meadows, and to bear 

 upon its bosom the stately barge ; — in this 

 mature state, it is deep, strong, and useful. 

 As it flows on towards the sea, it loses its force 

 and its motion, and at last, as it were, becomes 

 lost, and mingled with the mighty abyss of 

 waters. 



