310 
EARLY MORNING* 
hungry twit, is all we hear ; the families of voice are 
away, or silent ; we have little to note, and perhaps as 
little inclination to observe. 
“ During’ no portion of the day can the general opera- 
tions of Nature be more satisfactorily observed than in 
the early morning. Rosy June — the very thoughts of 
an early summer’s morning in the country, like 
enchantment, gives action to the current of our blood, 
and seems to breathe through our veins a stream of 
health and enjoyment ! All things appear fresh and 
unsoiled. The little birds, animated and gratulous, are 
frisking about the sprays ; others, proceeding to their 
morning’s meal, or occupied in the callings of their 
nature, give utterance, by every variety of voice, to the 
pleasures that they feel ; the world has not yet called 
us, and, with faculties unworn, we unite with them, 
partake of this general hilarity and joy, feel disposed to 
be happy, and enjoy the blessings around us : the very 
air itself, as yet uninhaled by any, circulates about us, 
replete with vitality, conveying more than its usual 
portion of sustenance and health ; ‘ and man goeth forth 
unto his labour.’ Night-feeding creatures, feeling the 
freshness of light, and the coming day, are all upon the 
move, retiring from danger and observation ; and we 
can note them now unhidden in their lairs, unconcealed 
beneath the foliage in the hedge ; the very vegetation, 
bathed in dew and moisture, full fed, partakes of this 
early morning joy and health, and every creeping thing 
is refreshed and satisfied. As day advances, it changes 
all ; and of these happy beings of the early hour, part 
are away, and we must seek them ; others are oppressed, 
silent, listless ; the vegetable, no longer lucid with 
dew, and despoiled of all the little gems that glittered 
from every serrature of its leaf, seems pensive at the 
loss. When blessed with health, having peace, inno- 
cence, and content, as inmates of the mind, perhaps the 
most enjoyable hours of life may be found in an early 
summer’s morning.” 
