59 



CHAPTEE III. 



BOREAL PROVINCE. 



There is something in the atmosphere of northern 

 regions that makes men worshippers of Nature, 

 unattractive as is her boreal aspect during no small 

 portion of the year. Whilst the short but genial 

 summer lasts, her charms, however, as if in com- 

 pensation, burst forth with multiplied attractions, 

 and the torpidity of the observing faculties, whilst 

 the long winter is dragging her not unpleasant course, 

 seems to give double force to their powers, when, 

 waking from their coerced sleep, they are attracted 

 by the thousand objects glowing into life and beauty 

 on every side around us. In the pleasant regions 

 of the south, where all seasons teem with creatures 

 "fair to see," and beings curious to observe, men, 

 living continually amid scenes replete with beauty, 

 are content to let their sensual perceptions over- 

 come intellectual efforts, and amidst a continuous 

 profusion of objects are happy to delight in their 

 presence, and to revel amid the charms of creation, 

 without making an effort to investigate the nature 

 of the things that constitute the elements of these 

 charms. Unremitting over-abundance has a like 



