152 WILD FLOWEKS OF MAY. 



Bell-flower {Campanula hederacea). I first gathered 

 it in Wales, when revelling in new-born freedom from 

 care and anxiety; and by the Severn's source on 

 Plinlimmon, and in numerous other mossy spots vocal 

 with plashing waters, I have since gazed upon its 

 delicate pale blue petals where there was no sound no 

 thought but of pure airy unbounded delight. The 

 plant in its seclusion preserves such pleasiires for the 

 wanderer to revel in, and its bright image brings them 

 back again to the mind. 



In connection with the thoughts and inspirations 

 awakened by the glories of nature throughout the 

 various seasons of the year, the Botanical Explorator 

 will, in his solitary rambles, often recal the glowing 

 language of one of nature's inspired interpreters, 

 especially adopting as his own, the following noble 

 apostrophe, from an ode of the author of " The 

 Excursion" 



" And O ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and Groves, 

 Think not of any severing of our loves ! 

 Yet in my heart of hearts I feel your weight ; 

 I only have relinquish'd one delight 

 To live beneath your more habitual sway. 

 I love the brooks which down their channels fret, 

 Even more than when I tripped lightly as they ; 

 The innocent brightness of a new-born day 



Is lovely yet ; 



The clouds that gather round the setting sun 

 Do take a sober colouring from an age 

 That hath kept watch o'er man's mortality ; 

 Another race hath been, and other palms are won. 

 Thanks to the human heart by which we live, 

 Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears, 

 To me the meanest flower that blows can give 

 Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears"* 

 * WORDSWORTH. Ode-Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of 



Early Childhood. 



