We have sat by the side of fair fragile country girls, and heard the experiences of the stout pioneers of civilization. We have tried to keep step with city maidens, shorn of ridiculous hoops and trailing trains. We nave known them trip up the great sides of Tahawus, press through the trunked and bouldered horrors of Indian Pass, float over Lake Placid, and scale the long steep slide up the crest of White Face. Lovely as dreams and light as clouds, no toil stayed them, no danger appalled; panther, wolf, and bear stories were told in vain by lazy brothers and reluctant lovers; on they went in their restless search for beauty, their Turkish dress and scarlet tunics gleaming through the trees, to the delight of the old mountain guides, who chuckled over their Camilla-like exploits, and laughed, as they plucked the fragrant boughs for their spicy couch, over the ignorance and awkwardness of their lazy city beaux. These fair Dians shoot no deer, nor lure the springing trout. We blessed them as they went their thymy way. We have sat in the hut of the farmer, the skiff of the oarsman, the parlor of the host of the inn; tried wagons, stages, and buck-board conveyances; we have disputed no bill, been subjected to no extortion, and, save the death of the 'hairy fools,' known no sorrow. We have sat by the grave of old John Brown, seen the glorious view from his simple home, heard his strange generosity extolled by his political enemies, and think we understand better than of old the sublime madness of his fanaticism. We have returned to our labor with a new love of country, a deeper sense of responsibility, of the worth of our institutions, and of the glory yet to be in 'Our Great America.' What a land to live and die for! Every drop of martyr blood poured upon it but makes it dearer to the heart. PEERLESS COLUMBIA. _A National Song._ God of our Fathers, Smile on our land! Lo, the storm gathers-- Stretch forth Thy hand! _Chorus._--Shield us and guard us from mountain to sea! Make the homes happy where manhood is free! Brave is our nation, Hopeful and young; High is her station Countries among. _Chorus._--Holy our banner! from mountain to sea Floating in splendor o'er homes ever free. Proud is our story, Written in light; Stars tell its glory, Victory, might. _Chorus._--Peerless Columbia! from mountain to sea Throbs every pulse through the heart of the free. Up with our banner! Hope in each fold-- Stout hearts will man her, Millions untold. _Chorus._--Millions now greet her from mountain to sea, Hope of the toil-worn! blest Flag of the free! * * * * *