Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-02-22
Walking,

There is one source OF health and re-
creation which is strangely neglected
by most people, and that is walking. To
persons Of sedentary occupations or mode
of lite there ;s no form of exercise to
compare with it, Walking is u gentle,
natural use of the bodily faculties, involv-
ing no severe strain. but imparting acti-
vity to the circulation and clearing the cob
webs from the weary brain. 1t gives
the benefit of pure air, strengthens the
lungs, gives tone TO the whole system
and is great preventive OF diseaes.
Physical exercise is the great need of
thousands who are gradually losing bodi-
ly vigor and sinking into a diseased con-
dition that renders them constantly miser-
able. While walking is of universal adj
vantage. it is especially beneficial to
avocations more or less sedentary.
With most people only the warm
months are considered suitable for RAM
blcs in the country, but this is iallacy.
Every season has some special beauties
disadvantages. Winter which is dread
ed by so many, has peculiar charms for
the genuine lover OF outdoor exercise.
and really gives the best return for eXer-
ton. There is no tonic in the whole
range of matcria medica to compare with
keen west or northwest breeze. 1t
mparts an elasticity and vigor to the sys-
tom that can be obtained in no other
way. Then the beauties of an afternoon
ramble in clear winter day are by no
means insignificant. The wide expanse of
pure white snow, clothing the whole
earth and often enrolling the trees in a
soft and resplendent mantle-the remark
able purity of the atmosphere. aifording a
far-reaching prospect-and the pictures
queneSs with which the outlines OF
all natural objects are presented, combine
to render winter scenery reireshing
and delightful. On winters even
ing, particularly when the starry vault of
heaven, of whose infinite bounty the eye
never tires, throws its radiance over the
earth. or when the full moon spreads 4
bright cflulgence. and houses. trees and
rocks cast quaint and weird shadows.
when almost perfect quiet reigns. and the
landscape wears Il serene beauty, at such
a time there is rare enjoyment in long
walk, and it constitutes the best possible
preparation Tor sound sleep and vigor-
Gus appetite iOr the matutinal meal.
The beauties of the vernal season,
which have been sung by poets i'll all
ages, are especially welcome to the lover
OF country rambles. To watch the COM
ing of the early verdure-the narrow line
of green by the side of running brooks
the budding OF the trees and the gradual
spreading of springs green mantle. be
decked with flowers, over the wales and
hils-is an interesting and delightful rec
rcation. The garanGed trees, the en-
crald fields, the odOrous hreezeS, are Il
perpetual least
For the Qaoen of the ,prins as she passed down
the vale,
Lett her robe on tho trees and her breath on the
gale"
Then in summer, with its ripe and mel
low days-when the sun reaches its full
cilu1encc when all nature has expanded
into complctest perfection OF growth,
symmetry and color-when the lazy sum
mcr clouds hang in gorgeous masses
along the Sky-what is finer than walk
in the early morning. or in the cool OF
the afternoon or EVENING" The autumn,
too. with its iridcsccnt foliagr-naturo's
grand masqueradc-thc hillside fat with
ripening corn and golden pumpkins-thc
orchards aglow with rosy fruit - who
Npulu i'l'So tlt SISut vi 81 uiucU TuIal
magniiicence.
Not the least recommendation of walk
ing is the mental hygiene which it af-
iorls. mind ovcrbornc by business
cares or other anxicties finds grateful re-
lief in the contemplation OF natural scene
ry. The majestic mountain. the softly
flowing river. the deep. mysterious forest,
the all-pervading sunlight. ue cmllemS
ot II noblest. sw0etcr and more enduring
life than the one that SO ircts and trays
the human spirit. We are reminded Of Il
kinship with better thing which lifts the
spirit out OF the narrow and ihorny circle
of daily life. gilds the mental horizon
alrcsh with visions of hope, and imparts
new courage for the battle OF lie. Truly
has Bryant written:
"ro him who in the love Of nature holds
Communion with her visible forms, she peaks
various language; for his gAyer hours
She has n voice of gladness, anda smile
And eiuquence of beauty and the glides
Into his darker musings with n mud
And healing sympathy that steals away
Their sharpness ere ho is aware"