Why, multitudes of intelligent
persons are almost as indifferent as the cattle that browse around among
the trees and flowers. But I am a sorry one to preach. I once used to
investigate things, but did not see them. I have thought about it very
much this spring. It is said that great painters and sculptors study
anatomy as well as outward form. Perhaps here is a good hint for those
who are trying to appreciate nature. I am not so shallow as to imagine
that I can ever understand nature any more than I can you with your
direct, honest gaze. So to the thoughtful mystery is ever close at hand,
but it seems no little thing to trace back what one sees as far as one
can, and you have made me feel that it is a great thing to see the Divine
Artist's finished work."
They were now joined by others, and the perfect beauty of the evening as
it slowly faded into night attracted much attention from all the family.
The new moon hung in the afterglow of the western sky, and as the dusk
deepened the weird notes of the whip-poor-will were heard for the first
time from the mountain-sides.
At the supper-table Leonard beamed on every one. "A rain like this, after
a week of sunshine has warmed the earth" he exclaimed, "is worth millions
to the country. We can plant our corn next week."
"Yes," added his father, "the old Indian sign, the unfolding of the oak
leaves, indicates that it is now safe to plant. Next week will be a busy
one.
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