374 THE NEW AGRICULTURE. 



vided with books and music and cheer as that of a citizen of 

 the metropolis. In the spring, the newly sown fields stimulate 

 his sense of expectancy, and later the clatter of the machines 

 as they mow the hay or reap the grain returns pleasure for the 

 toil of their operation ; or if the summer shower drives him 

 to cover, the sound of the rain falling upon the standing corn 

 makes him glad with the prospect of its coming yield. Then 

 comes the early and the later autumn with its gorgeous garni- 

 ture of green and gold, red, russet and orange, purple, crim- 

 son and flame. The Thanksgiving season arrives. The sum- 

 mer's work is done. The fields have become brown and bare. 

 The days are crisp and the hunter's gun sends echoes on the 

 air. Within the spacious dining-room of the farmer's home a 

 feast is spread. A sturdy company of honest folk gather about 

 the hospitable board, and the simple manners, the sincere and 

 sympathetic speech is as fragrance and balm compared to the 

 splendid artificiality too often found in many of the more pre- 

 tentious walks of life. 



"God, make me worthy of Thy land 

 Which mine I call a little while; 



This meadow where the sunset's smile 

 Falls like a blessing from Thy hand ; 



And where the river singing runs 

 'Neath wintry skies and summer suns. 



"And as the seasons move in mirth, 

 Of bloom and bird, of snow and leaf, 



May my calm spirit rise from grief, 

 In solace of the lovely earth ; 



And though the land be dark or lit, 

 O, let me gather songs from it!" 





M.U 



