280 THE OAK. 



natural bodies, and the intentions of natural phe- 

 nomena, and if we arrive at the conclusion that these 

 things have been submitted to our use, that some 

 have been destined to supply our bodily wants and 

 caprices, and some to excite our mind to reflection, 

 and call forth its various powers and energies, ought 

 it to excite surprize that individuals have been found 

 who in spite of every difficulty and deprivation, and 

 in spite of the sneers and thoughtless mockery of 

 multitudes, have exercised themselves in arranging 

 aud classifying the works of nature, in becoming 

 acquainted with their properties, and uses, and sub- 

 mitting the results of their investigations to the 

 powerful co-operation of the arts for the benefit of 

 the world. 



To be concluded in our n«xt. 



THE OAK. 



In the midst of the village is seen 



Tho' passing to feeble decay, 

 The old oak, on the top of the green. 



Where the children assemble to play. 



'Neath whose branches how many a tale 

 Has of love and of friendsliip, been told, 



And the song of the maid in the vale, 

 Has re-echoed, in day-time of old. 



And still where the may-pole is born, 

 Midst the noise of the villagers' lay, 



Who dance till the light of the morn 

 Chases each to his cottage away. 



Here the nightingale makes his retreat, 

 Where for ai^es he 's sat, when the smoke 



Of the hamlet surrounded his seat, 

 On the boughs of the high village oak. 



P. W. T. 



