"How curiously we may follow out the cultivation of the earth with the striking analogy it bears to the human mind," said Mrs. Draper, "in sowing the seeds, in carefully plucking up the weeds without disturbing what ought to be preserved, in doing all we can by our own labors, and trusting to Heaven for a blessing on our endeavors! A reflecting farmer must be a wise man." "I am afraid," said Howard, "there are not many wise men amongst us, according to your estimation. In all employments we find hurry and engrossment; we do not stop to reason and meditate; many good agricultural men are as destitute of moral reflection as the soil they cultivate." "At least," said Mrs. Draper, "they have not the same temptation to become absorbed by business as merchants." "I believe we shall find human nature much the same in all situations," said Howard. "There is one great advantage, however, in farming--that is, its comparative security:--we are satisfied with moderate gains; we have none of those tremendous anxieties that come with sudden failures, the fall of stocks, and obstructed currency." "And this is every thing," said Mrs. Draper, with enthusiasm. "Nobody knows better than I do, how a noble and cultivated mind may be subjugated by the feverish pursuit of wealth--how little time can be spared to the tranquil pleasures of domestic life, to the home of early affection--" She stopped, and seemed embarrassed.--Howard's color rose high; there was a pause. At length he said, "Every situation has its trials; those who best support them are the happiest. But we are growing serious. I want to see your children--how they compare with mine in health and size, and whether we can build any theory in favor of a country life in this respect." The children were brought; they were both girls. The eldest was the picture of health, but the youngest seemed to have inherited something of the delicacy of her mother's constitution. "I can scarcely show one amongst my boys," said Howard, "that gives evidence of more ruddy health than your eldest girl, Frances; but my wife's little namesake, Charlotte, looks more like a city-bred lady.--O, here comes my brother James."