IN AUGUST'. 255 



the seeds, from the depredations of birds, or from 

 storms. 



This pleasing harvest scene is beheld in its per- 

 fection only in the open field countries,, where the 

 sight can take in at once an uninterrupted extent of 

 land waving with corn, and a multitude of people 

 engaged in the various parts of the labour. It is a 

 prospect equally delightful to the eye and the heart, 

 and which ought to inspire every sentiment of be- 

 nevolence to our fellow creatures, and gratitude to 

 our Creator. 



The rural festival of harvest home is an extremely 

 natural one, and has been observed in almost all ages 

 and all countries. The jovial harvest supper cheers 

 the heart of the labourer, and prepares him to begin, 

 without murmuring, the labours of another year; 

 and now, 



" Inwardly smiling, the proud farmer views 

 The rising pyramids that grace his yard, 

 And counts his large increase." 



This month is the season of another kind of har- 

 vest in some parts of England, which is the hop- 

 picking. The hop is a climbing plant, sometimes 

 growing wild in hedges, and is cultivated on account 

 of its use in making malt liquors. It is planted in 

 regular rows, and poles are set for it to run upon. 

 When the poles are covered to the top, nothing can 

 make a more elegant appearance than one of these 

 hop gardens. At the time of gathering, the poles 

 are taken up with the plants clinging to them and. 



