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The wood-thrush seldom commits a mistake after such a storm; for no sooner are its sweet notes heard than the heavens gradually clear, the bright refracted light rises in gladdening rays from beneath the distant horizon, the effulgent beams increase in their intensity, and the great orb of day at length bursts on the sight. The gray vapor that floats along the ground is quickly dissipated, the world smiles at the happy change, and the woods are soon heard to echo the joyous thanks of their many songsters. At that moment all fears vanish, giving place to an inspiriting hope. The hunter prepares to leave his camp. He listens to the woodthrush, while he thinks of the course which he ought to pursue ; and, as the bird approaches to peep at him, and learn somewhat his intentions, he raises his mind toward the Supreme Disposer of events. Seldom, indeed, have I heard the song of this thrush, without feeling all that tranquillity of mind to which the secluded situation in which it delights is so favorable. The thickest and darkest woods always appear to please it best. The borders of murmuring streamlets, overshadowed by the dense foliage of the lofty trees growing on the gentle declivities, amidst which the sunbeams seldom penetrate, are its favorite resorts. There it is that the musical powers of this hermit of the woods must be heard to be fully appreciated and enjoyed.

DANIEL WEBSTER, 1782-1852.

THIS most distinguished of all American statesmen and orators, the son of Ebenezer and Abigail Webster, was born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, on the 18th of January, 1782. It was early remarked that he had uncommon endowments, and in his fourteenth year he was placed in Phillips Exeter Academy, at that time under the care of Dr. Benjamin Abbot, to prepare for college. He entered Dartmouth College in 1797; and when he graduated in 1801, a high future was predicted for him by the more sagacious of his classmates. He immediately entered upon his legal studies, and, in 1805, began the practice of his profession in the village of Boscawen, whence he removed to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in September, 1807. Here he resided nine years, enjoying the friendship and profiting by the rivalry of such men as Samuel Dexter, Joseph Story, Jeremiah Smith, and Jeremiah Mason.

It was in the extra session of the thirteenth Congress, which met in May, 1813, that Mr. Webster commenced his political career, as a representative from New Hampshire. He was placed on the Committee of Foreign Affairs,-an evidence of the high estimation in which he was held, our country being then at war with Great Britain. He delivered his maiden speech on the 10th of June, 1813, and at once assumed a front rank amongst debaters. His speeches-chiefly on

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