The good, the enlightened of all ages and nations, have found pleasure and consolation in the beauty of the rural earth. Prophets of old retired into the solitudes of nature to wait the inspiration of heaven. It was on Mount Horeb that Elijah witnessed the mighty wind, the earthquake, and the fire, and heard the “still small voice”; that voice is yet heard among the mountains! Saint John preached in the desert; the wilderness is yet a fitting place to speak of God.

Nature has spread for us a rich and delightful banquet.