A Recent Ramble. 



1 N April, as the world grows green apace, the 

 disposition to ramble becomes daily more pro- 

 nounced, and a fitting aim is to browse among 

 bright meadows, culling here and there a thought- 

 quickening blossom, and at times chancing sud- 

 denly upon a startling novelty that spurs our 

 flagging fancy. Turning my back upon the town 

 to-day, the river literally flashed into view and, 

 imperiously demanding undivided attention, led 

 me a willing captive. There is no feeling of self- 

 debasement in being thus held helpless by a great 

 natural force. If a river is not so powerful, as a 

 whole, as mankind, it is none the less a command- 

 ing feature of the world at large, and worthy of 

 high rank in leadership. Though it may speak in 

 a foreign tongue, its orders are not to be mis- 

 understood, and obedience thereto is ever well 

 / 81 



