Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-04-11
For the Spectator.

Amid the numerous things which combine to
make Old Staunton agreeable 20 us all, the
green hills and shady groves by which it is sur
rounded Among them there is sweet roman
tic spot, repete with charms for him who loves
TO seek some retired place, where he may enjoy
nature in all her cauness and subiinity. / mean
the grove OF majestic oaks which encircles the
Institution for the Deaf Mutes and the Blind
Outlines have wandered at the close Of day to
that quiet, rural spot, to enioy its varied charms
and to indulge in delightful reveries. AT the ma
glc hour OF twilight the whole scene is emnentIy
calculated TO elevate the feelings, and to inspire
one with high, and holy reflections. There stands
brave old oak that has marked upon his wea-
ther-beaten breast .he lapse of many long and
dreary winters, yet in his pride and strength doth
still defy the angry storms of summer. Beneath
the verdant hill, there gently flows pure and
IimPid stream, which seems to chaunt merry
iay' as 1t winds lis way along, eager and anxious
TO pay Its little tribute to some noble river Far
lar aioit' on the very top of yonder towering tree
percheo In graceful attitude, is Robin-red breast
e. the bird oil all birds that love best') bathino
himself asst were in the last rays of the sunlight
ana Joyously singing his evening hymn to The
mighty King of day, as he calmly folds around
MIN The dark curtains of night. Still farther up
on me hii-top' on thatbroken and withered Dough,
sit SIDE by side, two gentle Doves, mingling at
eveniide their soft, sweet notes Of love. In Won
der hawthorn bush is heard the loud shrill whis-
Tie OF the restless, yet ever merry Red-bird.-
ana now ihe Lark mIngles her Heaven born
notes with the rest of natures wild and matchless
harmony. These were the charms of that beau
uful grove; but alas how sadly has the scene
changed. There the proud oaks still spread their
broad branches to the vernal winds, and the ne
ver-iaing brook sends onward its crystal waters
but The merry songsters-where are they7 The
voice OF the Red-bird is mute, and the clear note
OF Inc Lark is heard no more. Now and then
comes hoatiDg on the breeze lamentat;on Of woe
e"eIeo oy that lonely Turte-dove, as she mourns
LOT nor absent mate. Here and there NAV be
seen wandering Robin but the notes which
wee won, 70 be those of joy, are but the sad re-
QUEEN oil his departed friends. The sportsman.
tho man OF pleasure and of case. to crafty his
sensual appetite, has spread desolation over that
once enchanting spot. Say, was it brave7 was
IL noblel was it manly in that hard-bear,cJ
hunter to shoot (unmoved) to the ground that
harmless Robin, whilst pouring forth his iovous
soul IN song. Did we envy him the skill which
enabled him to deprive that gentle Dove of her
fond companions Surely not. The man who
can calmly reflect on these things, and then com
NIT such ruthless deeds, though he may have
passed with distinction along the intricate paths
OF science, or walked with honor through the
hfowery fields Of observation-disclosures fame NAV
nave adorned his brow with one of her brightest