PLEASURES OF THE HAYMAKING SEASON. 157 



among the most pleasing and generally interesting of 

 those which the return of summer brings before our 

 notice. If it be asked, "Whence arises the delight 

 with which all classes hail the return of hay-making?" 

 it may be answered, that the beauty of the season in 

 which it occurs, and the fragrance of the crop itself, 

 have very much to do with the matter ; but there is 

 also a deeper feeling, and a higher source of pleasure, 

 which have been noticed in the following terms : 



"A concerted movement implies a common will; and 

 this of itself excites an agreeable sensation in the mind, 

 when that will is directed to some useful object. The 

 pleasure, too, arising from a scheme of utility, success- 

 fully completed, is another moral element that enters 

 into the feeling. The farmer has sown in hope, he is 

 now reaping in joy; and we feel a sentiment of con- 

 gratulation, even where we have no opportunity of ex- 

 pressing it. We place ourselves in his situation, and 

 shadow forth to our imaginations what he must feel at 

 this consummation of his labours and anxieties." * * * 

 " While our sympathies go forth towards our fellow- 

 mortals, in the contemplation of the objects with which, 

 we are surrounded, we have but to take another step to 

 connect this feeling with the Author of all that interests 

 our affections, and calls forth our emotions. Such, 

 indeed, is the habitual feeling of the pious mind. He 

 sees God in everything ; and whenever his heart over- 

 flows with pleasure, it rises in gratitude and admiration 

 to the Source of all pleasure his task acquiring new ex- 

 pansion, his sentiments additional force and elevation, 

 and his enjoyments a warmer and brighter glow." 



