AMERICAN JOURNAL 
or 
AGRICULTURE AND SCIENCE 
CONDUCTED BY C. N. BEMENT, ALBANY. 
VOL. VIL APRIL, 1S43. No. 4. 
THE OPENING OF THE SEASON. 
The revolutions of the seasons, and the succession of periods 
marking the lapse of time, should be noticed to induce us to re- 
deem the days allotted us, as well as to admire the wisdom and 
goodness of the great Cieator in his w^orks. The winter has passed, 
and the season fully arrived which calls us again to the fields with 
increased activity and labor. The working-men feel themselves 
called upon to more than ordinary exertions; for the blessino-s of 
Providence are usually granted to those who are found in the way 
of duty, and who diligently use the powers their Creator has given 
them. If we go through the country, we shall see the industrious 
farmer laboring in his fields, preparing for the fruits of autumn 
and the stores of winter. At this season, the husbandman is com- 
mitting grain and other seeds to the earth, which, by the heat of 
the sun and watering of the clouds, will yield products to bless his 
labors and rejoice his heart. He gains both bodily and mental 
health by moderate labor; and if he reasons at all of cause and 
effect, he is confirmed in his belief, that a wise and beneficent as 
well as powerful Being sustains, directs, and controls all things. 
To the literary man, also, the spiing is a grateful season; for win- 
ter has been no time of leisure or rest to him. He has labored 
diligently and applied himself closely, while others have compa- 
ratively enjoyed repose, and partially suspended their winter toil. 
His duty and his calling have induced him to " trim the midnight 
lamp," and to devote his hours to work. His recreations have 
been " few and far between." He therefore must welcome the 
return of spring with cordiality and delight. He takes his morn- 
ing and evening walk, and " snuffs the refreshing breeze." 
April is a busy month among the farmers, and there is, perhaps, 
no month in the whole calendar which should be more deeply in- 
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