86 STUDIES IN THE FIELD AND FOREST. 



trees, by pealing off the dry bark and lichens to which 

 they adhere, thus acting as the scraper of the orchardist. 

 After this, the farmers predict an abundant harvest of 

 fruit ; and the thorough pruning and scraping thus per- 

 formed for the trees, undoubtedly contributes to this 

 effect. 



But while descanting upon the appearances of nature 

 during the present season, we are reminded of the 

 pleasures of the domestic fireside. All such enjoyments 

 are intimately associated with rural recreations ; and it 

 seems to me that he alone who possesses that humble 

 mind and unvitiated taste which enables him to enjoy 

 the spectacle of beauty and sublimity that is opened in 

 the landscape, is fitted for the full enjoyment of the 

 pleasuj-es of the social hearth. Both of these recrea- 

 tions are alike innocent and invigorating to the mind 

 and the health. Above all other kinds of pleasures are 

 they unattended by any degrading and corrupting cir- 

 cumstances. Such are the blessings which a beneficent 

 providence has reserved for the humble and intelligent 

 poor. While the fashionable and the vain are striving 

 after unattainable happiness in the gay saloon, or gaz- 

 ing at costly pictures in a gallery of paintings, the 

 poor man is enjoying a little heaven in his own family 

 circle, or gazing upon that noble picture presented by 

 nature, — the handiwork of the Deity, who sits in the 

 heavens, and makes the earth show forth the wonders 

 of his skill. 



At present, when the wintry winds are lurking around 

 our dwellings, and the tempest is lying in ambush under 

 the clouded horizon, let us who live in comfort and 

 security, and have wherewithal we may benefit our 

 neighbors, not forget those who are borne down by 

 poverty. This- is the time when all the hardships of 



