INTRODUCTION. 19 



or more removed from temptations to pride and 

 vice. 



What a delightful spot in this world of briers 

 and thorns is the habitation, with its surrounding 

 acres, of an honest, industrious, thrifty farmer ! 

 What an air of neatness and comfort all things 

 wear ! Even the grass seems to look greener 

 than elsewhere the shrubbery, all weeded out, 

 smiles forth in the beauty of its flowers the 

 well trimmed trees put forth a richer foliage the 

 cattle seem to feel their superiority the lambs 

 skip somewhat more gaily, and even chanticleer 

 raises his clarion voice some notes higher. 



I love to dwell on such a scene ; and I would 

 wish to inspire my little readers in the country 

 with contentment with their allotment. They 

 are among the most happy, honored, and blessed 

 of this world. At least they may easily become 

 so. And although the business of farming is 



