Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1835-09-10
RURAL LIEE.

The National Gazette thus happily discour-
ses conce rning the want of a proper taste a.
Hong our busy countrymen:
We have been described, & with some JUS
tice by foreigners, as a calculating, money
making people;-as a nation of utiltarians-
looking always to the main chance, and car
ing little for those things which contribute to
the adornment and refinement Of existence.
We have a magnificent country, but as yet
art has done but little to improve it; and ex-
cept in the immediate neighborhood of our
large cities, handsome well kept country
residence is rarely seen. Refinement and ele-
gance have not yet followed wealth into the
interior. There are in our own State very
many rich and highly cultivated farms, situate
in regions picturesque and beautiful. But
the hand of industry has been employed for
the most part TO deface, not to improve the
charms of nature. The fields wave with lux
uriant crops-the pastures are studded with
fine cattle-every thing wears an appearance
Of abundance and prosperity. But there is a
want oftaste-all is done for profit. But there
is nothing for beauty. The house Of the veal
thy farmer is usually plain structure, with
out an attempt at ornament: on one side Is an
apple orchard, on the other the barn, and
in front a small kitchen garden, stocked with
the commonest vegetables. A little taste to
appreciate the more refined enjoyments oflife,
little knowledge of horticulture, and little
expense and attention would have made this
mansion agreeable to the eye as well as con-
venient for use-would have surrounded it
with verdant lawn and spreading trees, and
would have filed his orchards and gardens
with abundance and variety Of fruits, vegeta-
bles and flowers. This is perhaps reserved
for another generation. We are young
Country and but few years have passed since
the forest shaded the fields where now the
harvest ripens. The rough work must be
done first, and the foundation laid before the
superstructure can be erected.
Wealth however is rapidly accumulatng,
and we arc glad to perceive growing fond
ness for the pursuits of the country. No
taste is purer-none more eevating than that
which urges us to the constant contemplation
of the wonders and beauties of nature. If
our wealthy citizens, instead Of flying to
crowded watering places, there to repeat the
same insipid social game which fatigued them
in the winter, would occupy their leisure, in
terest their minds, and spend their money, in
the cultivation and improvement Of country
seats, they would add much toNkhe adorn-
ment of our State, to the refinement of our
agricultural population, and perchance dis
cover that q few months passed amid the
tranquil beauties of the country, and in its
healthful and interesting occupations, would
contribute more to rational enjoyment and
intellectual elevation, than the excitements Of
city dissipation, the degrading turmoil ofpo-
litics or the harrassing cares ofbusiness.
| 40 friendly TO the best pursuits Of man,
| Friendly to thought TO virtue and to peace,
| Domestic fe in rur,l leisure passed!
Few, know thy value and few taste thy sweets;
I ho' many boast thy favors and effect
To derstanG and choose thee for their own.
But foolish man figoes his pr per bliss
Fen as his first progenitor, and quits,
Though p aced IN paradise, ffor earth has still
Som- traces of her youthful beauty left,)
| Substantial happiness for transient joys.'