The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1876-09-08
4.

into the darx whirls and eddies, occa-
stoned by some projecting bank or stone,
or into that side of pool which is ov-
erspread by deeper shade. have Of
ten, in such a solitude, yielding to my
excursive and wandering thoughts, de- I
lighted to figure to myself in the olden
time, the accomplished. Sir Henry Wot
ton, the elegant Cotton, and the venera-
bic Walton. the darling friend Of those
great and pious men whom be so i'm
pressively perpetuates, finding in this
peaceful sport healthful and refresh
ing relaxation from their laborious stud
ies, or more harassing pursuits.
When have amused myselfsufhcient-
ly-by which time, like all very keen
anglers, the sun is generally declining in
the west-I,unscrew my rod, and depos-
it my hooks and lines in my pocket
book, till another day. then draw off
my wading shoes slip on pair Of soft
warm lamb-wool stockings, and having
thrown my basket filled with fine trouta,
from which the tails of some of the
largest may be seen protruding) across
my shoulders, my ron and proceed
homewards. As we approach the ter
mination Of our journey, we are gener-
ally met by my wife and daughters, who
have become impatient for our return,
h, 7 raiiaraI Cf
rod and basket; while my wife, insisting
! | look tired, makes me take hold of her
arm; and as We proceed homewards, my
young traveller having shaken of his
fatigue, is recouDting, with much anima-
ton and satisfaction, to his sisters the
wonders he has seen.
| But there is another recreation more
refined and elegant than either Of these
! | have already detailed and which, by
its magic influence, has contributed to
smooth and compose the troubles and
anxieties Of long life. / allude to
music, Of which ! am passionate ad-
mirer, and in the practice of ~hich in
my younger days, used to be esteemed
somewhat Of an eminent proficient
This ! have zealously and fondly en-
couraged among my children, as Of all
the arts perhaps the purest and most en-
chanting; as that which while it vIvidly
awakens, most richly and adequately
satisfies the exclusive longings of imag-
ination, and which binds most closely
and intimately in its willing bands the
domestic circle. ] speak here Of music
IN its highest and truest acce ptation;
such as those who have best appreciated
its astonishing capacities, and whose no.
blest and most felicitous exertions have
increased the delightful range of its
sway, have raised it to.
My eldest daughter plays the piano
forte with a clear and distinct articula-
tion, and rapidity of execution and
steadiness of time which, with little
study, carry her through, with consider
able power, the most excellent produc-
tions of the most valuable of the ancient
and modern composers. Ny second girl
after much friendly alteration and
jealous persuasion, must allow, with
my wife, | have myself taught the vio-
lin, from which she now draws, can as
sure you, very rich and mellow tone
and displays very graceful and flowing
, bow hand.
= Your female readers may perhaps
, smile here at the vulgarity of my taste
, l can, however, assure such delcately
sensitive readers, that this instrument
was frequent in the fair hands of the
, ladies in my younger years; and 1 still
> recollect the animation and fascinating
movements Of elegance and grace which
. they displayed in the use of it, forming
singular contrast to that stiff unvary
q ing formality of manner which is unfor
tunately inseparable from the seated
position of our piano forte performers
!. ] may, however, ingennously confes
n that, in teaching my daughter the VIC
;. lin, / was perhaps unconsciously inAu
A., enced by the recollection of having
|. heard, IN my early youth, beautiful
# black-eyed girl, full of unconstraine,
d and artless vivacity, play upon this in
|. strument some airs and movements @
= Vivaldi. with an expression have nev
er forgotten; while her dark hair wave,
10 in rich and clustering ringlets on he
=, bosom, and the motion of her white an,
a delicately- arm displayed th
"a most perfect beauty and gracefulness.-
If While look on my daughter, and lis
II en- to her while she plays, the memor
:, of this delightful vision of my yout
in often tenderly and forcibly impresst
10 me. The instrument upon which / pc
=, form is the violincello; and, like an oil
Maestro di'Capella, while ] play tt
:, Fundamental bass, have a scientif
and delightful pleasure in watching II
!, march and progress of the changir
:, harmony, the gradual development, an
= final rich establishment of the subiec
-. and that delicious concinnity and grac
full proportion of parts, which is happ
- ly and wonderfully preserved amidst a
the delicate intricacies of invention al
skillfully adjusted contrivsnce.
40. In this way we are enabled to play,
he concert, many of the best productions
II. Abel, Wagenseil, Bocherini; and amor
N. those more modern, Woelfe, Clemen
he Haydn, and Mozart, and whole host
me others. When I meet among my collie
ns tion of music some piece which strik
* me as peculiarly excellent, but compt
ors ed for other instruments, often begui
of the tedium of a Winter day by remodt
of ling its parts, to suit the more limit
,ed musical forces of our family circle. {
ia while stroll in my garden, or mend L
Ids tackle, or proceed slowly to the troutin
rch stream, devise little airs and mottiv
ire which, under fictitious name, often
viii come favorites in some of the neighb,
r Of ing families.
'el. My literary pursuits are now me-