254< NATURAL 



eaped the danger, and, at the same time, informs ns 

 at what distance it is; for the greater space of time 

 there is between the clap of thunder and the flash of 

 lightning, the more distant is the storm. 



Such reflections as these may moderate the ex- 

 cessive fear we have of thunder. Instead of -filling 

 our minds with frightful and terrible ide.as, let us ac- 

 custom ourselves to consider, a storm as a sublime 

 and great object. Instead of speaking of the mis- 

 fortunes occasioned by thunder, letT us reflect rather 

 on the necessity and great use of storms. 



AUGUST. 



* { Fair plenty now begins her gotden reign, 



The yellow fields thick wave with ripen'd grain, 



Joyous the swains begin their sultry toils, 



And bear in triumph home the harvest's wealthy spoils/' 



WHAT remained to be perfected by the powerful 

 influence of the sun, is daily advancing to maturity. 

 The farmer now sees the principal object of his cul- 

 ture, and the chief source of his riches, waiting only 

 for the hand of the gatherer. 



Rye and oats are usually first ripe; but this varies, 

 and depends on the time of sowing. Sometimes all 

 kinds of grain are fit for cutting at the same time. 



Every fair day is now of great importance ; for, 

 when the corn is once ripe, it is liable to continual 

 Damage while standing, either from the shedding of 



