Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-12-10
A FARM-YARD SKETCH.

\ FARM-YARD SKETCH.
On calm summer morning peacock stood
spreading his feathers in the sun. Near him
lake lay sleeping in motionless Transparency
He walked toward it with conscious pride, and
bending himself over the brink, sometimes ga
zed at his gorgeous plumage in the Mirror and
sometimes turned back his eyes. to examine the
play Of green and gold upon his back. The
simple inhabitants of neighboring farm-yard
stood off at respectful distance, awe-struck
with his grandeur. The hens cackled to each
other; the geese huddled together, poked out
their long necks and Kissed; and even chantic-
leer, although generally on capital terms with
himself, rather lowered his crest, and lifted his
yellow feet with less of lordly majesty as he
marched among his companions, who no longer
paid him their accustomed attention. At this
extorted acknowledgement of his superior spen-
dor, heavens! how the peacock swelled
Certainly" said he, " | am without an equal.
How mean these poor, wretched creatures ap-
pear by my side. How magnficently beautiful
am. What golden tinges chase each other
across my feathers. How superbly my tail re-
fleets the light 1t is full Of eyes which abso-
lutely rival the sun himself. When | look a.
round what is there to compare with me q
~
heard this ignorant solioquy, and thus address
ed him.
"Pray, Mr.. Peacock, do not be offended, but |
think can show you bird, not only your equal
but so far your superior, that before man would
allow one of the race to be destroyed he would
behold you and all your vain Haunting relations
eXterminated."
81 always ,hought madam Rose" replied the
&C fx,H. RI tS,fr crt,
and had one or two toierable colors in YOU
that is, for mere rose; but | cannot give you
credit for much wisdom And so sure am of
being considered of more value than any which
you can possibly bring, that fearlessly chal-
lenge you and all the world to produce my ri
val"
"This very afternoon" said the rose, "and
before the assembled creatures of the earth and
air; they shall pronounce upon your respective
merits
81 will come an hour before sunset" replied
the peacock, spreading his superb tail, and toss
ing his head affectedly. 81 appear to more ad-
vantage, the greater the light good morning
madam Rose. What fool is this ridiculous red
flower" he continued in lower voice. as he
strutted away, "and so conceited, too. Bah! how
hate conceited people,
The hour for the trial came. The setting sun
filled the woods with golden light; heightened
shadows lay on the soft green meadows. The
bee hummed lazily along the dropping flowers
as if tired Of their days wanderings; the crows
went winging their way over the tree tops to
their nests the fish hawk had made his last
plunge in the lake, and was bearing his prey to-
wards the high dry tree-everything told of the
closing day.
The peacock spread his tail and entered the
arena where he was to await the expected rival
He found all the beasts, poultry, ETC., of the
neighborhood assembled The geese came in
single file, headed by a sage old fellow, kind
of philosopher, who led the procession with grave
dignity. The hens brought their dear little chick
ems, with their wee bit voices; the ducks wad
died to their places, and quacked show do you
do" to their neighbors, the geese The horses
who had been let loose in the adjoining field
cantered up, tossing their heads in the air, kick
ing out their heels, and neighing cheerfully tC
their friends and fellow-citizens. The ass shook
his ears with much self-complacency, and trot
ted after An old black sheep sprang over {
fence, and was Immediately followed by abou,
hundred others, who leaped over in the same
place. The cows walked out Of the pond anC
took their stations, lashing themselves with thei
tails, and chewing the cud no animal like your
COW for gravity and patience. great filthy
hog, who had been wallowing in the mire, came
in grunting, and thrusting himself into compa
ny where he was not wanted: but he got {
good seat, because everybody feared to come il
contact with him. The swallows skinned
down from their nests under the caves Of thu
barn, and seated themselves in n row on the raj
fence. The turkeys came in late, grumbling ant
gobbling. They thought the whole concerr
rather ridiculous-they were as good as the pea
cock any day" some people make such fuss
about nothing" beautiful robin came hop
ping up and flew into branch of cherry-tree
with sweet and plaintive' cry while afierc'
little bantam rooster pushed his way in among
the horses. sanarcd OF ai q turkey seven iimcl