MY VINEYARD. 35 



CHAPTER V. 



FIRST EXPERIENCE. 



The first year in Lakeview was altogether a pleasant 

 one. Not every operation was successful, or every expec- 

 tation realized ; but the general results of the year's labor 

 were satisfactory and encouraging. The bright sun of 

 early spring filled the home-room with its cheering rays, 

 and we watched his setting among the golden clouds be- 

 yond the AYOods, giving promise of an abundant year. 

 The birds took possession of the trees around the house, 

 and made the mornings glad with the sweetest songs. In 

 the woods, the Liver leaf rejoiced at the new life which the 

 warming sun had brought, — and later, the sweet Violet 

 adorned all the pathways with innocence and beauty. The 

 shadow of the trees, at first a mere lace-work upon the 

 sunny ground, began to thicken with the opening buds. 

 Gradually the leaves unfolded as the sun grew warmer, 

 and the genial spring had passed into the maturer sum- 



