The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-11-06

ter commences. We have the most of
them in November, rarely, however, COM
ing more than one day at a time at this
late season.
They are found in greatest perfection
along the Atlantic coast, where the inhu
ence of the Gulf stream is felt. A
breeze from the South or Southwest
brings the atmosphere of the tropics,
and the most enjoyable weather of, the
year. When the Governor guesses right.
and Thanksgiving week falls upon In
dian Summer, the cup Of blessing runs
over. and there is nothing more to be de,
sired The old homestead is certain then
to he crowded, and the last graudchlld
to be brought to the family gathering -
The warm sunshine cf tire heart finds its
fitting response in the outer world, and
the chill blood OF age is quickened with
a Summer glow again. Old age. sur
rounded with children and children's
children, is much like the Indian Sun
mer. 1t lies between the active duties
of life and the Winter, which we call
Death, but which is really no Winter but
Spring time, If life have been well spent
1t is sober but genial, and the activities
are subdued, the passions softened, max
ing it the ripest, best period of Summer
! life.
| This is tie month in which We usually
pay our respects 10 "the old folks at
home" and a, we have talked abundantly
Of planting and hoeing, haying aud bar
vesting, for the edication of our young
and middle aged friends. We propose now
to say word for that less numerous, but
not less honored class, who only read
these pages through the aid of glasses =
[, is said, with how mach truth we can
not tell, that the custom of returning to
the old homestead to keep the only festi,
val III the Puritan year, is not SO geuer
ally deserved as in the last generation,
before the advent of steamers aud rail-
roads, which would seem to make the
trip much more safe and pleasant 1t is
certainly true that the day is more wide
ly observed. nearly ali the States taking
public notice of it, the churches gather
ing for worship, and families doing am
pie Justice to the roast turkey and the
chicken pie. But the charge is, that the
son, who left the farm in early life, and
who has been prospcred iu the city. finds
1t more agreeable to spend the day around
his own mahogany, and inside his own
marble front, than TO make pilgrlmsse
20 ,I,o l,,,,hBs l,rotl;,r ,j,a, .I,In,,o,l
his childhood and there keep the feast in
plarner style with father and mother
He has lost his relish, not only for coun,
try life. but for the simple maAners and
frugal fare CT the good old people that
gave him Being. nourishnd his helpless
infancy, and trained him to habits cf
virtue and industry. He has forgotten
the PLAIN granite rock whence he was
hewn, aud affects marble. This may be
putting 'he case rather strong, for busl
ness cares rather than pride. we would
gladly heleve, wean sons and dauhters
from the old homestead. But it is pay
Jog too high price for worldly success,
however great. when it blunts flial affec
lion, anu HGahS Us lFOtH Inc aSSlQulLleS
that are always due to parents.
The annua' pilgrimage at an reasona-
bic sacrifice, will make better sons and
daughters, and give happiness that gold
can not purchase. TIE old folks are oft
en- lonely at the eventde of life, having
sent OUT all their children to new and
distant homes. This year, the war has
taken the last son tron some Of these
bones, and the Benjamin of the family
ON whou shey had leaned for support will
spend this festival III the tented field
These who can, should go to cheer these
bercaved hearts, now >addeued by double
grief, their country's and their own.-I
american 4grtculturiSt.