No. 1.

On Domestic Employments.-Stanzas.

11

simple infusion of the herbs you have reared or gathered, is a legitimate branch of that nursing kindness which seems interwoven with woman's nature.

of a study or accomplishment, and, while || of society it would be preposterous and arthey pursue it as a pleasure, can still be rogant. But sometimes to alleviate the prepared to practice it as a profession. slight indisposition of those you love by a Among the pleasant employments which seem peculiarly congenial to the feelings of our sex, the culture of flowers stands conspicuous. The general superintendence of a garden has been repeatedly found favorable "And now, to sum up the whole matter, to health, by leading to frequent exercise in though in the morning of youth a charm is the openair, and there communing with na- thrown over the landscape, every inequality ture, which is equally refreshing to the heart. smoothed, yet still life is not "one long It was laboring with her own hands in her summer's day of indolence and mirth." The garden, that the mother of Washington was sphere of woman is eminently practical. found by the youthful Marquis de Lafayette, || There is much which she will be expected when he sought her blessing, as he was to do, and ought therefore to learn, and to about to commit himself to the ocean, and learn early, if she would acquit herself return to his native clime. Milton, who,|| creditably. Though to combine the excelyou recollect, was a great advocate that wo-lencies of a housekeeper, with much emimen should study household good,' has few || nence in literature or science, requires an more eloquent descriptions than those which energy seldom possessed, still there is no represent our first mother at her floral toil || need that domestic duties should preclude amid the sinless shades of Paradise.

mental improvement, or extinguish intel"The tending of flowers has ever ap- lectual enjoyment. They may be united by peared to be a fitting care for the young and diligence and perseverance, and the foundabeautiful. They then dwell as it were among tion of those qualities should be laid now in their own emblems, and many a voice of || youth.” wisdom breathes on their ear from those brief blossoms to which they apportion the dew and the sun-beam. While they eradicate the weeds that deform, or the excrescences that endanger them, is there not a perpetual motion uttered of the work to be

done in their own heart? From the admiration of these ever-varying charms, how naturally is the tender spirit led upwards in devotion to Him "whose hand perfumes them and whose pencil paints." Connected with the nurture of flowers is the delightful study of botany, which imparts new attractions to the summer sylvan walks, and prompts both to salubrious exercise and scientific research. A knowledge of the physiology of plants is not only interesting in itself, but of practical import. The brilliant coloring matter which they sometimes yield, and the beautiful influences which they possess, impart value to many an unsightly shrub or secluded plant, which might otherwise have been suffered to blossom and die without a thought.

It is cheering amid our solitary rambles to view the subjects that surround us as friends, to call to recollection their distinctive lineaments of character, to array them with something of intelligence or utility, and to enjoy an intimate companionship with Nature. The female aborigines of our country were distinguished by an extensive acquaintance with the medicinal properties of plants and roots, which enabled them, both in peace and war, to be the healers of their tribes. I would not counsel you to invade the province of the physician; in our state

I LOVE THE MEMORY OF
THAT HOUR.

I love the memory of that hour

When first in youth I found thee;
For infant beauty gently threw

A single star was rising then,
A morning freshness round thee;

With mild and lovely motion;
And scarce the zephyr's gentle breath,
Went o'er the sleeping ocean.

I

love the memory of that hour;
It wakes a pensive feeling;
As when within the winding shell
The playful winds are stealing,
It tells my heart of those bright years,
Ere hope went down in sorrow,
When all the joys of yesterday
Were painted on to-morrow.
Where art thou now?-thy once lov'd flowers
Their yellow leaves are twining;
And bright and beautiful again

But where art thou?-the bended grass
That single star is shining.

A dewy stone discloses ;

And love's light footsteps print the ground
Where all my peace reposes.
Farewell! my tears were not for thee,

"Twere weakness to deplore thee;
Or vainly mourn thine absence here,
While angels half adore thee;
Thy days were few, and quickly told;
Thy short and mournful story
Hath ended like the morning star,
That melts in deeper glory.

12

FEMALE

LITERATURE

Female Literature-The Cultivation of Tuste, &c. VOL. I. O Ftion of a correct taste is so joined in affinity with the social affections, that it is almost THE PRESENT AGE. impossible to improve the one, without afThere is no more delightful peculiarity in fecting the other. For it is seldom that we the literature of the present age than the see this resplendent qualification attached to worth and brilliancy of its female genius. minds under the influence of moral princiThe full developement of the intellect ples, neglectful of those social feelings and imagination of women is the triumph which cement society together, and preserve of modern times. Their influence on litera-it from jarring innovations. It is needful ture was scarcely felt, even in the stateliest in every department of life; and more of of the classical ages. The contracted nature our happiness is derived from this source, of their education-the tyrannical demeanor than we are often aware of. of the sterner sex towards them-the yet more inflexible tyranny of custom crushed in the blossoms of their genius before they were half unfolded, or prevented them from diffusing their sweets beyond the limited circle of domestic life. Sometimes, indeed, the female mind broke through the unnatural restraints opposed to its progress, but it too often lost in the exertion, the freshness and most delicate charm-The Sapphos and the Aspasias of antiquity, cast aside the fetters of custom and the bonds of virtue. Even these instances of female celebrity, so attended with causes of sorrow and pity, are Hence the imaginative works of Greece and Rome, exquisite and eternal as they are, have an aspect stern and appalling, and want that delicacy and tender grace which the intermingling of female taste alone can give. Their poetry is not enriched with a few of those sweet fancies and delicious conceits which peculiarly belong to the female mind, or are excited in the society of intellectual and sensitive woman.

rare.

The

gentle influence of feminine genius now sheds over the whole literature of our country a delicate and tender bloom. The works of the female authors of the present age are objects of no common interest-not only for their separate beauties, but for the new and lovely lights which they cast over the whole region of imagination and the nooks of the graceful loveliness which they have been first enabled to illume.

Look at domestic scenes with a discerning eye, and see the movements of a woman of taste. If she is the head of a family, order appears to be the first law which governs and controls her actions. All her affairs are planned with wisdom; confusion and discord never disturb her mind. Her house is the seat of social happiness, where the stranger and friend can repose with delight; for neatness and order are the inmates of her habitation.

THE LIGHT OF THE SCENE.

The Light of the Scene is Woman's Eye,
More bright than the sun by far,
Fair as the moon in her summer sky,
And pure as the evening star.
Oh! were it not for this lovely light,
Our earth would be strangely dark;
But there it beams-as charming quite
As the bow that cheer'd the ark.
Put out the light of the radiant sun,

The moon would but look more fair,
Put out the moon, that gentle one,

The stars would still sparkle there.
But put out the light of Woman's Eye,
And Death would soon spread his pall
O'er all that we love beneath the sky,
And darkness bury us all.

THE FEMALE HEART. The female heart may be compared to a garden which, when well cultivated, pre

ON CULTIVATION OF TASTE.sents a continued succession of fruits and

flowers, to regale the soul and delight the A female of cultivated taste, has an in- eye; but when neglected, producing a crop fluence upon society wherever she moves. of the most noxious weeds; large and She carries with her that secret attractive flourishing, because their growth is in procharm which operates like magic upon the portion to the warmth and richness of the beholder, fixes the attention and softens the soil from which they spring. Then let this feelings of the heart like those benign in-ground be faithfully cultivated; let the mind fluences over which we have no control. It of the young and lovely female be stored is impossible to be long in her presence with useful knowledge, and the influence without feeling the superiority of that in- of women, though undiminished in power, tellectual acquirement, which so dignifies will be like "the diamond of the desert," her mind and person. Her words and ac- sparkling and pure, whether surrounded by tions are dictated by its power, and give the sands of desolation, forgotten and unease and grace to her motions. The cultiva-known, or pouring its refreshing streams

No. 1.

Botany-Sensitive Plant, &c.

13

through every avenue of the social and moral to all. By running a stick over a bed of the habit.

BOTANY.

Mimosa viva, the leaves will contract themselves in such a way as to exhibit any figure which may be described by it, such as the name of the person who performs the experiment, or any other device he may please several minutes after the cause of it is reto execute and this effect will continue for

The study of this beautiful science is particularly adapted to young females, to whom we would recommend it, as a lasting source of pleasure and amusement. It will be found much less difficult than may at moved. It is from the Mimosa Nilotica, or

first be apprehended, and the enjoyment experienced in its progress will be such, that difficulties, much greater than those which really present themselves, would be no barrier to the attainment of the science. The nomenclature, which appears at first view so repulsive, soon loses its terrors, and becomes familiar, and the pleasures which result from the application of principles, the exercise which the science requires, and the perpetual contemplation of the variegated and splendid colorings of nature, operate as a species of attraction so irresistible, that the student can neither resist nor control it. No object can be more delightful than to behold a lovely woman indulging a passion for that which is in itself so beautiful and innocent, or than to see her

"Looking through nature, up to nature's God."

What higher source of gratification can there be than to stroll amidst the groves, or wander over mountain heights, and enjoy the magnificent scenery of nature, and inhale the breeze teeming with fragrance and redolent with sweets, while you are in pursuit of a richer banquet, a more delightful spectacle, the fair and exquisite gifts of Flora"Each bounteous flower,

Iris all hues, roses and jessamiue.-Milton. LARGE FLOWERING SENSI

TIVE PLANT.

Sensitive Plant.

true Egyptian Acacia, that the gum Arab
is procured; and the common Acacia of our
garden exhibits something of the retractile
has of these plants. If a bough be
gathered, the leaves will immediately col.
lapse or fall together, bending downwards
towards the back of the stalk, along both
sides of which they are so gracefully ar-

There are many varieties of the Mimosa or sensitive plant. Some of them are large trees, and others rise only a few inches from the ground, or rather creep along it, spread-arranged. ing in such a manner as to cover a very large surface. The Mimosa grandiflora, or large flowering sensitive plant, is represented in the following cut. It has an exceedingly elegant appearance, when the long and slender filaments which compose the flower have attained their full growth; and the effect is heightened by the splendor of a tropical sun, and the occasional accompani-And blushing from her dreamless rest ment of those brilliant little humming birds which abound in the same latitudes.

THE SABBATH MORNING.

How calm comes on this holy day!
And upward takes her lofty way
Morning unfolds the eastern sky,

Earth glorious wakes, as o'er her breast
Triumphant to her throne on high.
The morning flings her rosy ray,

Unveils her to the gaze of day:
Seems hallowed music breathing round.
So still the scene, each wakeful sound,

The word Mimosa signifies "Mimic," and is given to the plant on account of the sensibility of the leaves, which by their motion, The night winds to the mountain caves, mimic or imitate that of animals. In one The morning mists to heaven's blue steep, species this property is very remarkable,|| And to their ocean depths the waves though it belongs in a greater or less degree Are their holy rest to keep.

gone

294

14

Woman's enduring Affection—Washington's Advice. VOL. 1.

'Tis tranquil all,-around-above,

The forests far which bound the scene,
Are peaceful as their Maker's love,

Like hills of everlasting green;
And clouds like earthly barriers stand,
Or bulwarks of some yiewless land.
Each tree that lifts its arms in air,

Or hangs its pensive head from high,
Seems bending at its morning prayer,
Or whispering with the hours gone by ;-
This holy morning, Lord, is thine!

Let silence sanctify thy praise-
Let heaven and earth in love combine→
And morning stars their music raise !
For 'tis the day-joy-joy-ye dead-
When death and hell were captive led!

and turn to his own purse the_golden tide in which all would dabble. Look at the homes of most of these. There the wife waits for her husband; and while she feels

that anxiety for his presence which may be called the hunger of the heart; she feeds her spirit with the memory of his smile; or perhaps looks with fondness upon the pledges of his affection, as they stand like olive branches around his table.

WASHINGTON'S ADVICE TO
A YOUNG LADY.

The subjoined letter is taken from the last published volume (the tenth recently issued) of Spark's Life and Correspondence of Washington. It was written to Miss HarWOMAN'S ENDURING AFFECTION. ||riet Washington, his orphan niece, who had In woman all that is sacred and lovely resided for some time in his family, and to seems to meet as in its natural centre. Do whom he continued to extend his care and we look for self denial?-See the devoted aid. She then resided with some of her wife. For resolute affection, struggling other relatives in Fredericksburg. It is through countless trials?-Behold the lover.dated Philadelphia, 30th October, 1791: For that overflowing fulness of fond idolatry DEAR HARRIET-I received your letter of which gives to things of earth a devotion the 21st instant, and shall always be glad to like that which should ascend to God?-Be-hear from you. When my business will hold the mother, at the cradle of her infant, permit, inclination shall not be wanting in or pillowing its drowsy eyelid on her bo- me to acknowledge the receipt of your let som, supremely blest to see its fair cheek rise and fall upon the white and heaving orb, where it finds nourishment and rest This is woman-always loving-always beloved. Well may the poet strike his lyre At present I could plead a better cause in her praise-well may the warrior rush to for curtailing my letter to you, than you had the battle field for her smile-well may the for shortening yours to me, while you have student trim his lamp to kindle her passion-nothing to do; consequently you might with ate heart, or warm her dainty imagination: as much convenience to yourself have sat she deserves them all. Last at the cross and earliest at the grave of her Saviour, she teaches to those who have lived since his sufferings, the inestimable worth of constant affection.

HOME.

No man of sensibility, after battling with the perplexities of the out-door world but retires with a feeling of refreshment to his happy fireside: he hears with joy the lisp of the cherub urchin that climbs upon his knee, to tell him some wonderful tale about nothing, or feels with delight the soft breath of some young daughter, whose downy peach like cheek is glowing close to his own. I am neither a husband nor a father, but I can easily fancy the feeling of supreme pleasure which either must experience. Let us survey the world of business: What go we out for to see?' the reed of ambition shaken by the breath of the multitude; cold hearted traders and brokers, trafficers and over-reachers, anxious each to circumvent,

ters; and this I shall do more carefully, as it will afford me opportunities at those times, of giving you such occasional advice, as your situation may require.

down to write your letter an hour or even a day sooner, as have delayed it until your cousin was on the point of sending to the Post Office. I make this remark for no other reason, than to show you it is better to offer no excuse than a bad one, if at any time you should happen to fall into an error.

Occupied as my time now is, and must be during the session of Congress, I nevertheless will endeavor to inculcate upon your mind the delicacy and danger of that period, to which you are now arrived under peculiar circumstances. You are just entering into the state of womanhood, without the watchful eye of a mother to admonish, or the protecting aid of a father to advise and defend you; you may not be sensible, that you are at this moment about to be stamped with that character, which will adhere to you through life, the consequences of which you have not perhaps attended to, but be assured that it is of the utmost importance that you should. Your cousins, with whom you live, are well qualified to give you advice; and I am sure they will, if you are disposed to

Washington's Advice-To the Ladies.

receive it. But if you are disobliging, self- || For Original Tales here's the lily of snow, willed, and untowardly, it is hardly to be expected they will engage themselves in unpleasant disputes with you, especially Fanny, whose mild and placid temper will not permit her to exceed the limits of wholesome admonition or gentle rebuke.