“The enjoyments and delights of a country life have been sung by poets
in all ages, and it is our own fault if we find the country irksome, or
less agreeable than a crowded metropolis. It affords many resources of
a most agreeable nature, to those who seek for rational and tranquil
enjoyments. A beautiful prospect, a walk by the side of a river in fine
weather, in the agreeable shade of a wood or cool valley, have great
charms for those who are fond of the country. We may then exclaim with
Virgil,--
‘O, qui me gelidis convallibus Haemi
Sistat, et ingenti ramorum protegat umbra!’”
But even the Virgilian quotation does not give it the flavor of White’s
pages.
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