Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-03-23


from my window, saw, for the first time, that
sweet chorister of nature, the robin. According
to my usual practice, after having RECALLED N.Y.
sell with cup of coffee, took my walking
stick, the faithful companion OF my solitary
rambles, and sailed forth on my accustomed
excursion. 1t was an hour of no common
beauty. The glorious sun, " the bright eye of
the universe" " the idol of early nature.r
was just looking out, over the eastern hills. on
smiling world the little river that crosses
my path, freed from the icy letters of tyrant
winter, was going on IFS glad way, to minsle
ITS pure waters with those of the "great
deep;" and on the yet leafess summit of a
majestic elm was seated the robin, whose
music had before greeted me, and who was.
now Joining in the universal hymn which Ma
lure, at such an hour, pours out TO its great Au-
thor. believe there are few whose feelings
are not influenced by the scenery around
them. Where is that man who has not felt an
exulting mercy in his spirits, when surrounded
by the wild and grand beauty of a snow
storm! Where is that man who has not felt
his soul dark and sad and heavy under the in
huence OF long continued cloudy sky. or a.
cold New England Northeastern Where ;s
that mind who has not felt kindred Quiet in
his bosom, when gazing on the still skv of a
summer night? Where is that man who hoe
walked forth on a morning like the one have
spoken OF, and not felt'a glow Of warm ana
natural delight? My feelings, in the p-esent
case, mingled with those of the Joyous and an
mated world, and paused to enjoy the bean.
~ which nature had so lavshly bestowed on
the land. was listening in silent sdmiratiou
10 The soft, gushing melody of the bird above
me, when the loud report a huntsman's sun
started me IN my meditations, and the red
breast fell at my feet. Her wings. wet and
heaVy with the running blood, futtered con-
suisi'eiy Few minutes, and were then folded
IN ueath. That unhaliowed sound of murder
as II echoed along the distant hills, Jared up-
on my heart, and felt my veins swell with
Indignation against being, who could thus in
cooi oiood, and for mere sport, wantonly in
hict death on happy and innocent inhabi-
tant Of the air.
There is no plea for this barbarous custom
Indeed, have never heard man attemnt
justification of such conduct. The fox and
wolf, those nightly providers, CARRYING their
depredations within the domain of the farm.
yard, are fit subjects for the exerci.eNof that
power which was delegated to man when he
was pronounced lord of the earth. and ito
dwetlen Against these who are continually
warning with man, the hand of determination
may justly be exerted. Neither is il wonder
ful, that men should become attached TO the
many and heroic exercises attendant on these
sports. There Is something chivalric in the
idea OF rousng the untamable tiger of India.
or the Lybian lion from his lair, and of meet
ing and conquering him in single combat.
But nothing OF this kind can be pleaded in ex-
cuse of the inhuman practice Of wagine war
against the unofending and powerless tribes Of
air.
am aware that legislative enactments, in a
case like this, would be of little or no avail.
and tor the obvious reason that no one could
be found who would be willing to carry them
into execution. The abandoned drunkard
will not be deferred from his rum, by statute
iorbiding MIN to drink it, 1t is public seuti-
ment alone which has the power of abolishing
practices of this nature, and this sentiment
ought to be turned with indignation against
every man who possesses feelings which allow
him, deliberately and for mere amusement. To-
destroy the bird that halls him at waking
with hn" 'no'"i''s song, and lulls h: to repose
with her evening melody. Z.