Year: 1872

Spring, sweet laughing spring, is with
us once more. Though long she has de-
layed her coming, seemingly afraid to VEN
ture within the domains Of winter, lest
she should be overpowered and reluct-
antly compelled to retreat in disgrace ;
yet the babbling Of the noisy brooks, set
free from Winters icy chains, the balmy
south winds breath. the violet peepins
forth from its covering of frost and snow,
and last and best, the soul inspiring vol
ces of tho early birds, tell us in language
not to be mistaken, that Spring with all
its charms is near us, even at our doors.
The five long. dreary, shvering months
just passed, with their frightful storms ol
wind and binding snow. driving pedes-
triaus from the streets and compelling the
inmates Of houses to look abroad through
frost-painted window panes-the huge
drifts which were piled up around our
dwellings during the hours while we were
trying to sleep amid the uproar and tu'
mutt that was going on without, the low.
ing Of the poor dumb animals as they
shook their heads and strove to find some
corner where they might enjoy the small
benefit of the feeble rays of the distant
sun, the days shrunken into a few briei
hours-and even these of piercing cold
all these are now among the things Of the
past, while Spring in all her pristine glo
ry, cometh forth even as bride adorned
for her husband.


How fresh, how invigorating is now
the balmy air. How all nature seems tC
rejoice, and pours forth universal song
of praise to the giver Of all good, How
the heart Of man seems to quicken int
newness Of life as he goetn forth to hi
labors rejoicing in renewed strength anc
vigor How the poor invalid who ha!
been confined within doors through al
the long dreary winter months, halls witt
delight once more the approaching foot
steps of the new born year. See her
with her pale face and attenuated frame
on the sunny side of her home, with hei
mantle drawn close about her to protec
her from any passing breeze tnat nigh
seek to be too familiar with her frai
form,-se how eagerly she watches fe
the first appearance Of those gentle flow
ers trained so long by her own tender
care, and which her eyes are to look upoI
alas so soon, for the last time-howers
which another spring, will bud and bios
som over all earthly that remains Of her
for with the falling of the autumn leaf
she too will pass away d be at rest.


But, o Spring, gentle, meek-eyeC
Spring spite of all the sad lessons which
daily come to our hearts, We hail thee a
the harbinger of joy and plenty. w
welcome thee as a long expectant guest
Thou Lrt the poor mans friend and th'
rich mans delight.


"a joy thou art, and II wealth to ALL"


Far away back in the past, ere we haC
learned the stern lessons Of life, how i'm
patiently we waited for thy coming =
how our young hearts bounded at thu
sound Of thy merry voiced messengers
How gladly would we have held thee by
the hand unwilling 30 let thee go. Blu
thy mission fulfilled, We were forced t.
part company. Aud thus will it ever be
until at length We too shall fail to gree
thy annual return. Thus will it be unit
our ears shall be deaf to thy melodies
and our eyes are forever closed to thy
beauties, aud the fragrant south wind
breath shall wake to life and beauty tn,
violet and the daisy to bud and blossom
over dust that We so soon shall be.


But o when this time shall come, b.
it ours to fu home where