before him. Its presence is a blessing to him. This tree, a
century ago the tiny seed of the beautiful elm, which floated perhaps on
some zephyr, or, tossed by some summer gale, dropped noiselessly into
its cradle at this door--fortune favored its growth, and protected it
from the injuries of chance or intent. It patiently grew and spread its
hospitable arms, as if to embrace the surrounding neighborhood, and is
now a protection and safeguard, a blessing and a continued promise of
the watchfulness and care of the Father. This honest, grateful, simple
soul has learned from it the beauty of a patient spirit. It has been
always to him the generous companion of his weary moments, never failing
to return at spring the beauty so ruthlessly torn at autumn; rendering
to his just soul the contentment of the well-doer in this world's works,
yet still progressing, growing, and enlarging in its sphere of
usefulness and trust.

The regularity in the procession of the seasons, the dependence and
faith inculcated by their never-failing return of the bounties asked of
them for his proper observance of their demands, have rendered order a
controlling power with him, and punctuality has become a virtue.

The large independence of the concerns of men has not made him
autocratic in manner, nor indifferent to progress in the condition of
mankind. Faithful to the duties of the good citizen, and to himself, he
has not forgotten his moral duties toward the social polity, and neither
state, nor church, nor school, nor family, but feels the influence of
his tender care. Health has been always with him and on his side.
Cleanliness is throughout his household, and scrupulous care of the
manners, neatness, and thrift which make a good farmer's home so
cheerful, is his.

Such is the intelligent, patient, thorough cultivator of the soil. Is
there not a nobility of nature in it, far surpassing that which the
false standard of society gives to man? What profession, business, or
vocation of any sort engaged in by man, carries in its legitimate course
these joys, this peacefulness, this hope? Here are not the anxieties,
nor perplexities, nor fears, nor losses attendant upon the occupations
in the more crowded haunts of business. Plenty fills his garners;
happiness attends his footsteps; peace crowns his life.

We would that this good soul might truly represent every farmer on our
soil. We are compelled to acknowledge the shortcomings of this class of