Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-12-21
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The PIeasnres of Winter.

Hawthorne, after spending a winter in
kome, declared that thereafter he would, if
possible pass that inclement season in some
part Of the globe where it is recognized as a
legitimate institution. Hawthorne has not
been the only traveller who has descanted
upon the discomlorts of winter when expe.
rienced in a climate where frost is but an ir-
regular aud uncertain visitor. Olmstead, in
his account of his winter-traves 10 Texas,
describes ieelingly some Of the suiferinps he
underwent from the cold "northers," against
which the imperfectly- reconstructed houses af.
lorded very inadequate protection. Win
ter, indeed, is ouly an afiliction in places or
with people where or with whom there is no
suitable means for guarding against its rgors.
To well-led, well-housed, well-clothed people,
winter is as delightful as any other season Of
the year Its pleasures, of course, are essen.
tally different from those of summer, but
they are no less vivid and no less genuine.
Not to mention those out of-door sports such
as skating and sleighing, that are unexceled
by any Of the other seasons, it is within-doors
that the winter supplies us with some of its
best delights. In summer the hilltop, the
brook-sde, the garden, the porch, the open
wlndow--all places, in fact, that afford us
quiet and pleasant air, have equal claims
upon our affection; but il is only in winter
that we come to understand the full signifi-
cancc of the word home When the storm is
shaking our easements and the night is black
and dangerous, then, within the drawn cur
tains and around the blazing fire, we discover
how secure, and glowing, and peaceful, and
rich in affections, are hearth and home"
just as in spring the first blossoms give us
delight, so in winter does the fire when first
lighted give US singular pleasure. Perhaps
Of all our boyhood recollections those Of the
old winters frcsde are the keenest and the
most delightful. When the first snowfall
comes this season, let TIE reader take down
his copy of Whittiers Snow-bound," and
read the poem by the brisk blaze of cracking
logs, with the sound of the outward blast
reaching his car in melancholy menace, and
see what relish the old-tashioned picture
will have for him. By the brisk blaze of
cracking logs Alas if he reads it at ALL
in all probability it will be over the hot air
Of a register, or by the burnt iron of a stove
Firesides aud hearthstone are things of the
past, and with their departure have gone
nearly all the best charms of winter-home
Modern life is surrounded with good many
conveniences but every innovation in our
households seems to signalize the death of
some treasured pleasure. Your furnace, no
doubt, difiuses an even warmth through the
house, but in shutting up the Fireplace, it
scatters the household and breaks up the old
time Gmily-crcle. 1t drives out Of the home
an artist who was wont to paint delicious pic
lures on your walls, and tint the cheeks Of
your dear ones with a rare glow. 1t excludes
friend whose bright, sparkling chatter once
entertained you many long evening, and
whose blaze and glow rarely failed to gil your
heart with cheerfuness and gratitude.
There are a few old-iashioned people who
cling to wood-fres, but many of the younger
generation remain ignorant of what was once
the greatest charm Of winter-home. Coal"
says Ike Marvel, "may have its uses in the
furnace, which takes of the sharp edge Of
winter from the whole interior of the house,
and keeps up night-and-day struggle with
Boreas for the mastery, but a country home
without some one open chimney around which,
in time Of winter twilight when SHOWS are
beating against the panes, the family may
gather, and watch the fire flashing, and crack
ltug, aud flaming, and waving, until the girls
clap their hands and the boys shout in kind
of exultant thankiulness, is not worthy the
name AppletOn'S Journal