EARLY SPRING IN MASSACHUSETTS. 309 
ter let them alone. To such an extent do time 
and distance, and our imaginations, consecrate 
at last not only the most ordinary, but even 
the vilest pursuits. The efforts of legislation 
from time to time to stem the torrent are sig¬ 
nificant, as showing that there is some sense and 
conscience left, but they are insignificant in 
their effects. 
It will not do to be thoughtless with regard 
to any of our valuables or property. When 
you get to Europe you will meet the most ten¬ 
der-hearted and delicately-bred lady, perhaps 
the President of the Anti-Slavery Society, or of 
that for the encouragement of humanity to ani- 
mals, marching or presiding with the scales 
from a tortoise’s back, obtained by laying live 
coals on it to make them curl up, stuck in her 
hair, rat-skins fitting as close to her fingers 
as erst to the rats; and her cloak, perchance, 
adorned with the spoils of a hundred skunks. 
Could she not wear other armor in the war of 
humanity ? 
Cold as it is, and has been for several weeks, 
in all exposed places, I find it unexpectedly 
warm in perfectly sheltered places where the 
sun shines, and so it always is in April. The 
cold wind from the northwest seems distinct 
and separable from the air here warmed by the 
sun, and when I sit in some warm and sheltered 
