In the inanimate world the things which most strongly impressed me were
the many beautiful scenes of the winter season, such as the graceful
drooping of the evergreens after a heavy snow fall; the thousands of
domed, draped and capped objects at this time; the many beautiful
designs of ferns, grasses, wheat sheaves, coral branches, etc., formed
by the frost upon our windows, and the unmatchable splendor of the trees
and other objects after receiving a coating of ice during a sleet storm.
The lovely display of blossoms in the spring time, and the crimson
leaves of autumn, also called forth expressions of joy and pleasure.
Among flowers, the wild blue violet is the first blossom that I remember
having found and gathered. They were plentiful in the woods, meadows and
roadsides, and we always kept one or more bunches of these and other
wild flowers in the house during the spring season. Next to the blue
violet, the dog-tooth violet, buttercups, spring beauties, dandelions
and daisies follow in memory’s train.
My mother always accompanied me on my first little rambles, and many are
the pleasant strolls we took, hand in hand, gathering flowers, listening
to the songs of birds and enjoying the beautiful surroundings; her
training and instruction in Nature’s book doubtless laid the foundation
of my devotion to and study of these things in later years. Did she not
call my attention to the gorgeous sunsets, to the bow of promise
spanning the sky, to the squirrels and other little animals of the
woods, to the rippling brook splashing over its pebbles and golden
sands; did she not teach me to love God’s creatures and not kill or
destroy them? Happy days never to be forgotten; little friendships never
broken.
Berton Mercer.