io Country Rambles. 



realise the fine hearty pleasurableness of a good appetite, 

 such as only the open air can induce, and learn the sweet 

 savour of the plainest diet when wisely earned. And 

 this not only because of the relish which comes of the 

 exercise in the fresh air, but of the higher relish born of 

 that mutual satisfaction and kind feeling which always 

 follows a friendly visit to Dame Nature. People never 

 feel more attached to one another than when they have 

 been enjoying the charms of nature together; while the 

 rose mounts to the cheek, the glow comes upon the 

 heart. We should court nature therefore, not only for 

 our own private and personal good, but if we would 

 quicken our reciprocal affections. Especially with regard 

 to this latter point, is it valuable to have some definite 

 pursuit something to attend to in particular when we 

 go out for an afternoon's or evening's walk. A stroll 

 in the fields is at all times good and healthful, but when 

 two or three go out together to look for plants, or in 

 search of curious insects, or to watch the movements, the 

 manners and customs of the birds, quite unconsciously 

 there get established new and pleasing links of sym- 

 pathy, which lead to happiest results, both to head and 

 heart. Some of the firmest friendships that we know of 

 have had their origin in the exchange of ideas over a 

 wild-flower. One of the noblest prerogatives of nature is 

 to make men friends with one another. In the town we 

 stand apart, excited and repelled by selfish and rival 

 interests; but in the tranquillity of the fields and woods, 

 united in delightful and invigorating pursuits, jealousies 



