404 RURAL LIFE IN NEW ENGLAND. 



black and azure clusters around every rustic by-way, and 

 blackberries sparkle on tbe greensward and garland the 

 gray rocks as if some unseen hand had been employed in 

 rearing them. All his grounds at this season are a varie- 

 gated tapestry, on which are embossed flowers that have 

 life, and fruits that do not mock the eye with a vain 

 semblance of beauty. 



To the New England farmer what successions of glad 

 employments lead up the seasons ; to him especially who 

 has not forsaken the simplicity of habits and the frugality 

 that distinguished his ancestors. With a joyful heart he 

 walks abroad, and surveys the rewards of his industry in 

 the market-places, and beholds with pride the importance 

 of his sendees to the great world. Go where we will, 

 the fields, the barns, the granaries, the stores, and the 

 markets are full of the immediate products of the farm. 

 In all places are we reminded of the reaping-hook and 

 the wheaten sheaf, and behold those gifts that teach all 

 men to venerate the plough. 



The farmer is no stranger to toil ; but he regards it as 

 one of the necessary conditions by which he may secure 

 the united blessings of health, cheerfulness, and com- 

 petence. No man so frequently beholds the rising sun, 

 nor brushes the dew from the greensward, nor breathes 

 the morning air still sweet with emanations from opening 

 flowers. Whether he is holding a plough or pitching 

 sheaves, driving his team afield or trading for the sale 

 of his products, he is the best living example of freedom, 

 and independence. 



All the seasons delight in showering their gifts upon 

 him. They strew his path with flowers, even though he 

 may not heed them ; they fill the air with music, though 

 he may not listen. They are not niggard of their favors, 

 and wait for no sacrifice before they yield him their re- 

 wards. Beauty garlands all his fields with her wreaths, 



