34 WILD FLOWERS OF 



reflective on the deserted grave and brought of 

 old, as an emblematical offering to the altars of 

 the gods. 



" Floribus et vino Genium memorem brevis sevi."* 



So to the genius of the changing hours, 



Mindful of life's short date, they offered wine and flowers. 



But the more particular aspect of ihe first month of 

 tlie year now claims to be examined and recorded. 

 January, indeed, presents but little to attract the 

 botanical observer, even if the weather permits an 

 exploration, for deep snow, or constant rain, too often 

 renders the country impenetrable, or if a hard frost 

 binds the ponds and rivers, all vegetation quails 

 before it. 



" No mark of vegetative life is seen, 

 No bird to bird repeats the tuneful call," 



says the poet, and yet a looker out may seize a 

 bright moment, catch a profitable glimpse, or book a 

 meditative idea, rising out of the denuded aspect 

 of the landscape around. I find the following sketch, 

 in one of my natural history journals, under January, 

 which may illustrate this remark. 



" Took a walk along the Martley road, turning off 

 at the field by Laughern brook side, beyond the mill, 

 and down the stony lane, till, again making my way 

 to the brook, I followed its sinuosities to the wood 

 near Martley, which I entered, and wandered about 

 some time. It was pleasing to pause under the leaf- 

 less trees, looking up at the bright blue sky overhead, 

 and watching the white clouds majestically sweep 

 along, one after another, as if instinct with enter- 

 prize the stainless swans of the aerial seas. All 



* Horace, Epist. lib. ii. I. 14*. 



