The weekly ledger., 1857-06-20

bath evening. Here IN my cabln-far from
the noise of our little town--how forcibly is
brought to mind the words of California
"child Of song:"
II love the evening hour;
IL calms each passion strong,
1t has mystic power
It's only theme is song"
at such time as this our thoughts not
only wander back to loved and cherished
scenes long passed, but hope with her magic
glass gives promise of brighter future. She
tells us that Nature has been here in our own
California, strewing her choicest gifts with
lavish hand that of all places in the world
this is the place to make man happy What
is lacking? What must we do to receive this
happiness, 50 freely offered by nature? First,
we must learn to think that this is onr home,
and to build our social society ON firmer ba-
sis than heretofore; each must have the de-
sire to do all io their power to foster virtue
and weed up vice and cast it from the land.
do not wish to be understood that
would have those who are virtuous wrap
themselves in that mantle, and shun those
who by misfortune or neglect have stepped
aside from virtues path. Oh, mol such a
cour7e will never do, for Nature's noblest
sons have fallen" Such course has been
and is great drawback to reformation in
the habits OF Caifornians. Take for instance
the habit of intemperance have heard
Temperance men" talk for hours about "the
dark cloud that hung over the land and threat
ened to deluge it with its fury;" have heard
those men tell us to "raise the drunkard from
the slough into which he has fallen, and bid
him be man again-a husband and fa-
ther;" but did they do this themselves?
fear no.. They were wrapped in their man
tie of temperance, and they could not soil it
by the drunkard's breath. Perhaps it is
wrong for one that is friend of temperance
to give expression to these thoughts; but it
is done in good faith, and with the hope that
it may be the cause of some good in correct
ing errors that but too plainly exist These
thoughts are called forth by hearing drunk
ard talk to-day. His words were, II would
not be drunkard only l am Stunned by
those who profess to be saints joined your
temperance society and what did they do ?
Did they betr with me even one time when
| went astray? No; they forgot that was
beset with many temptations; forgot that the
drunkard'S intellect is clouded and his appe-
tite unyiedng They cast me from them,
and sank deeper in the slough than ever
Yes, know am regular sot; but say, old
hoss, ai'nt you going to treat~
But to return. Each must have the desire
to make California his or her home. They
must remember that they are living now time
is moving on; he will not wait for them to
get ready TO live; now is the time; let those
who wish to live gather around them the
comforts that they would if they were back
in the older States. Let them beautify their
homes by cultivating our beautiful wild flow
ers. The cost is nothing-only a very little
time and abor-and who can estimate the
value of the effect? Show me clean door
yard, with flowers growing near the house,
clean floors and windows, and in return | will
show you the dwelling of contentment; and
where contentment is, you will be sure to find
happiness.
And this is what we must do to secure the
gifts held out by Nature. And now what dc
We lack to fill the cup to oyeraowing? Why
am an old bach, and will face the music and
own up. Yes, we lack female society. Give
US good female society, and if California cant
beat the world, why just tell me the reason
We have good female society, but not enough
Where is the man who enjoys the compan!
of Goods noblest gift to man" for even al
hour without feeling purer and better for it
Aye, for listening to the conversation of ;
pure-minded woman? Why, it is worth al
the sermons that were ever preached but de
liver US from those who use "lilly white" and
have too many false curls.
WILLIE.
Forest Home, june 7th, 1857.
Dibbin had horse which he called Graphy
every odd name" said Oxberry. "Not al
all . responded Tom; "when | bought him
| II ,yos a Ruv.o-graphy. when | mount him