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mulation, a period, but little exceeding twice that of our brief 

 existance, as an independent nation. 



If our climate is as congenial, our soil as teeming, and our 

 skies more bright, why is it that a country life is not so fervently 

 desired, so much the theme of universal disquisition, and so 

 much the object of unqualified admiration, as in other and far 

 less propitious lands ? Where under the broad heavens, have 

 been more lavishly bestowed, whatever man can ask, of a 

 benificent Providence, to supply his wants, administer to his 

 comforts and insure his felicity? 



The topographical features of Massachusetts, are more diver- 

 sified, more interesting, and can be more speedily and perfectly 

 embellished by cultivation, than even the northern Hesperides. 

 The state is traversed in all directions, either by majestic rivers 

 or copious streams. Lofty mountains, from whose rugged flanks 

 gush forth perennial springs, and beautiful hills, clothed with 

 forests to their very summits, give grandeur to the scenery ; pic- 

 turesque vallies everywhere invite attention, and promise as 

 smiling and happy aspects, as those whose loveliness is preserved 

 in Grecian song ; innumerable lakes, spangled with verdant 

 islets, and floral stars, are scattered over the whole area of our 

 territory. The sea coast abounds in capacious bays, broad 

 estuaries, commanding promontories, and beetling cliffs ; and in 

 addition to our catalogue of superb forest trees, there is a profu- 

 sion of shrubs, and wild flowers, which are so unrivalled in 

 variety and splendor, that they constitute some of the most 

 choice collections in the conservatories, sumptuous gardens and 

 rural plantations of Europe. 



The common idea associated with a residence in the country, 

 is that of profit, that an income should be realized from all 

 expenditures there made. But why, it may be asked, make this 

 distinction so unfavorable in its effects, to the prosperity and* 

 improvement of the country ? Are the magnificent edifices, 

 costly furniture, and luxurious indulgences in cities and large 

 towns, sources of income ? Are they not, rather, intended to 

 administer to the comfort and gratify the taste of the proprietors, 

 without any regard to the cost, or any expectation of revenue ? 

 Why then should it be urged, that such investments should yield 

 an income, because the location is on the borders of a river or 



