WAY-SIDE HINTS 



there are a great many good objects in life 

 which are accomplished better by gradual pro- 

 gression toward them than by sudden seizure. 

 I shall not stay to argue the point with respect 

 to negro suffrage, or female suffrage, or a 

 temperance reformation, or the clearing out 

 of Maximilian's Mexican Imperialism— which 

 are a little removed from the horticultural 

 arena, where our humbler questions are dis- 

 cussed — but I shall urge a graduation and cul- 

 mination of triumphs in what relates to rural 

 life and its charms. 



One meets, from time to time, with a gen- 

 tleman from the city, smitten with a sudden 

 rural fancy, who is in eager search for a place 

 "made to his hand," with the walks all laid 

 down, the entrance-ways established, the 

 dwarf trees regularly planted, the conserva- 

 tory a-steam, and the crocheted turrets fret- 

 ting the sky-line of the suburban villa. But 

 I never heard of any such seeker after per- 

 fected beauties who was an enthusiast in coun- 

 try pursuits, or who did not speedily grow 

 weary of his phantasy. He may take a pride 

 in his cheap bargain; he may regale himself 

 with the fruits and enjoy the vistas of his 

 arbor; but he has none of that exquisitely- 

 wrought satisfaction which belongs to the 



121 



