Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/435

Rh abundance of melons; they were here by hundreds, nor have I ever tasted any so good, sweet, juicy, and fine-flavoured. The Canteloup-melons were especially remarkable. The soil in this part of the country, especially in New Jersey, is celebrated for the production of fine fruit.

I spent three days at the Phalanstery, amid a variety of scenes, many of which greatly interested me. Foremost amongst these I place a meeting, which was brought about by Channing, for the consideration of the social position of woman, and its present requirements; her sufferings, their causes, and the means for averting them. The assembly consisted of about twenty women, and of such men as they invited. It was an assembly of thoughtful, gentle countenances. The office of spokesman was unanimously assigned to Channing. He opened, therefore, the meeting with a representation of those sufferings which may befall a woman through the noblest and the best part of her nature, under the existing state of society. I listened to him with feelings which I have difficulty in describing.

“Is it possible,” thought I, “is it really true, that I hear a man thus aware of, thus understand the sighs, the agony, the yearnings which I myself, during a greater portion of my life, experienced almost to despair, which many experience as I did, and under which many also sink? Is it a man whom I hear speaking for the captive, and demanding liberation? And do I hear through him really that a better time is approaching, a more just, more enlightened, more holy? Is it not a dream? Shall really the time of silent sighs cease upon earth? Shall there be light, and a path, and freedom, and a heaven opened to all?”

I looked around on the assembly. There were some beautiful women with thoughtful brows, whose remarkable destinies spoke powerfully for the reform which the speaker demanded; there were gentle, motherly women, such as Marcus's sister, Mrs. A. and Rebecca, who amid their