The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-04-19
From the Knckerhocker.
THE BACKWOODSMAN'S SACRIFICE.

have been jogging on my equestrian journey
for three summer weeks; following out every path
that has opened inviingly before me; suffering my
self 10 be turned bv the smallest thing; tracing a
brook descending hill; penetrating n deep
shade chasing squirrel; led on by the scented
air to the quiet home Of The wild flowers and the
fern.
The journey of 10 day has been more delightful
and exhiIerating than the wasted dyspeptic ever
dared 10 hope Ia enjoy again. During twenty five
miles gone over, have passed not many human
dwellings, and those all built Of logs partially
squared, and piled one rpon another. A beautiful
river has been in sight or hearing all day long;
which now had expanded between the more gen
liz and yielding banks, broadly, as if it were an
inland lake; while its waters seemed to have stayed
their onward flow, if there a spirit in them
too iha, sighed for rest, and they would have low
ed 10 linger in the domain of peace forever; and
has crowded up its forces into ITSELF and dari-
ed by, where the impending shores pressed more
rudev against il, as if like human tyranny, they
would check its Joyous and natural career.
The path which have travelled since the morn
ing has heen pursued ut random; only star
pointed out its direction. and that the sweet prom
Use Of scclusou. It has been winding about
" the whole distance in the deep shade Of males.
tic forest, like which New England has none );
whether in respect TO the grandeur of its regal in
dividuals 10 the vQsness of its grave and iever-
end community. The air has been bland and ge
NAL as ever famed the broad palm leaf in The
sw eetest garden of The earth: and yet inspiring
as ever kissed the glowing cheek of Alpine nymph
while ii has breatied into her bosom HE Of
health, whose source she does not think 10 inquire
into, any more than 10 pause in her mountain
chase to ask herself if she is happy
/, has been OF those rare and precious days
for whose boon all thut lives insensby give
thanks; when life itself is gratitude. One of those
DAVIS when Nature seems TO be snrcharged with
the Spirit of Love; so that even the most m'san'
thropiral ard pertnacionsly wretched of hearts ~
inperceptibly coed of its sell erected charnal
house; aud the slow pulse dances, and the dull eye
li.iitens up, and The marble cheek glows red and
The paieui in his confinement has the easement
ed and aroIher pillow placed beneath his Ian
suid head; and mothers may be seen the country
through carving abroad their pale and sickly prog
eny 10 take hoir share Of Gods blessing and battle
in the warm end rnpld mir; aud sons and dangh
iers propng up their aged sire or DAME rs they
to,tcr out 10 bask their Chilled frames in the sun
shine once more, and freshly dream oflite's morn.
my glow aud nuk hack over the long hill of life
10 the garden the other side where the sun al
ways shone one of those days in fine when it seems
10 be the purpose of God give to all his children
both The Just and the unjust a holi day; while
heaven lends its choicest influences to earth, and
smiles from end to end 10 see all creatures glad.
have been more happy than can tell. lie,