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it barrenness of thought, and to such only. Take the 

 single faculty of observation, attention, — how much 

 depends on that ! People engaged in rurnl occupa- 

 tions have been charged with insensibility to the 

 charms of nature. They move on, it is said, with a 

 dull eye. The loveliest spot is to them but common 

 earth, — valued for its productiveness only. Amid the 

 most beautiful creations of the Almighty's hand they 

 are conscious, it is asserted, of no kindling emotion, — 

 no admiring thoughts. 



The charge is probably exaggerated. I hope it is. 

 But whatever insensibility of this sort exists, it is to 

 be attributed, due allowance being made for the effect 

 of familiarity, to want of intellectual culture, especially 

 culture of the two faculties of observation and reflec- 

 tion. The habit of observation lies at the foundation 

 of the pleasures of a country life, as in fact, of improve- 

 ment of every kind. Yet in nothing do persons more 

 differ than in the degree of activity of this faculty. 

 There are those who never observe accurately, — never 

 see, unless a penny is to be turned, — and whose minds 

 are never, therefore, open to the sweet influences of 

 nature. The sun rises and sets, lights and shadows 

 vary and blend to infinitude almost, the green earth 

 smiles, the clouds assume their gorgeous forms and 

 hues, the seasons fill their circle, and processes full of 

 marvels are incessantly going on, but it is all the same 

 with the unobservant mind. There is no enjoyment 

 of nature, because the faculty of attention has never 

 been awakened; the habit of observation has never 

 been formed. This must be cultivated, and reflection 

 will follow, and where these exist the farmer's life can 

 never be barren of pleasures. lie can never want 

 occupation for his thoughts ; phenomena, which are 

 perpetually taking place within range of his vision, will 



