240 THE EARLY MORNING. 



During no portion of the day can the general 

 operations of nature be more satisfactorily observed 

 than in the early morning. Rosy June the very 

 thoughts of an early summer's morning in the 

 country, like enchantment, gives action to the cur- 

 rent of our blood, and seems to breathe through 

 our veins a stream of health and enjoyment ! All 

 things appear fresh and unsoiled ; the little birds, 

 animated and gratulous, are frisking about the 

 sprays ; others, proceeding to their morning's meal, 

 or occupied in the callings of their nature, give 

 utterance by every variety of voice to the pleasures 

 that they feel : the world has not yet called us, 

 and with faculties unworn, we unite with them, 

 partake of this general hilarity and joy, feel dis- 

 posed to be happy, and enjoy the blessings around 

 us : the very air itself, as yet uninhaled by any, 

 circulates about us replete with vitality, conveying 

 more than its usual portion of sustenance and 

 health, " and man goeth forth unto his labour." 

 Night-feeding creatures, feeling the freshness of 

 light, and the coming day, are all upon the move, 

 retiring from danger and observation ; and we can 

 note them now unhidden in their lairs, unconcealed 

 beneath the foliage in the hedge : the very vegeta- 

 tion, bathed in dew and moisture, full fed, partakes 

 of this early morning joy and health, and every 

 creeping thing is refreshed and satisfied. As day 

 advances, it changes all ; and of these happy beings 

 of the early hour, part are away, and we must seek 



