SPRING AT THE NORTH AND AT THE SOUTH. 



season of the year. "The trees of the field dap their hands, and the vallies shout 

 for joy." Within a few days a wonderful transformation has taken place. Ever}'- 

 thing that grows has come forth wth a sudden gush of life and beauty, and carries 

 back our thoughts to the time when the earth sprang from the Creator's hand, and re- 

 ceived his gracious benediction. Who can look abroad upon the world at such a time 

 as this, and not say fi-om his inmost soul, " Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in 

 wisdom hast thou made them all." 



From this account of spring at the north, it appears that though it does not pre- 

 sent as glowing a picture as the same season at the south, it nevertheless is not without 

 its pleasing aspects. Its progress is indeed slow and ii'regidar. After the genial 

 season is thought to have fairly arrived, many a fi-ost, and chilly wind, and storm in- 

 tervenes. Much of the poetry of spring is too poetical for the latitude of our northern 

 States. Many of the figures of speech which we apply to spring, were bon-owed, 

 originally, from the poetry of southern Europe, where this season is as mild, and mu- 

 sical, and balmy as the poets sing. But it will hardly do to use the same language in 

 these cold regions. Some one has well said, that whoever goes out in early May to 

 Tiause and sing of the season, must, ordinarily, first put on overcoat and mittens ! 



But even this slow advance of spring is not without its uses, both to the animal 

 and vegetable creation. It prepares them to pass with safety from the rigors of 

 winter to the intense heat of summer. There is also something exceedingly beau- 

 tiful in the coming on of spring at the north. The change from the gloom and 

 desolation of winter to the life and loveliness of spring, is wonderful, and would sur- 

 prise iLs more, had we not been so long accustomed to behold it. And then, the rapid 

 tra-nsitions which occm- during the progi-ess of spring, — snow flurries followed by 

 bright, balmy sunshine ; rain-storms, intermingled with flashes of golden light, and 

 ending with rainbows ; flowers and leaves springing from the bosom of decay and death ; 

 birds singing, where lately the storms of winter howled, — surely, these things are 

 beautiful to see. 



He who has been surrounded by the severities of a long, northern -winter, enjoys 

 the opening of spring with a zest which southerners cannot feel. The first crocus, or 

 lilac blossom, is regarded with fonder interest than all the glories of southern climes 

 can possibly excite in the inhabitants of those regions. 



But without instituting further comparisons, it is enough to say that spring where- 

 ever beheld, is a season of wonder and delight. It is suggestive of life, and inspires 

 hope. It is adapted to remind us of the final resurrection, and to teach us les- 

 sons of trust in God, Cold must be his heart, who can stajid up and look upon the 

 earth at such a time as this, and not exclaim with devout emotion : 



" Tliese ai"e tliy glorious works, Parent of Good. 

 Almighty ! thine this universal frame, 

 Thus wondrous fan- ! Thyself how wondrous then !" 



