as to lose tlieir superficial resemblance to each otlieXj that an opinion prevails of the great uncertainty and 

 sportiveness of Pungus growths. It is quite true those in question chifer, and the notices of them differ still 

 more ; but let a Sun-llower be described in fuU blossom, with its glory of yellow petals, and centre of florets 

 sparkling with poUen ; then a month after when all this is gone ; and again in winter when the honey-comb 

 of cells remains empty of seeds. These states are no sportive disease or change in the plant : notliing but a 

 smile would greet the observer who fancied these three Sun-flower heads were not the same tiling; that a 

 Sun-flower sometimes made a change in its economy by producing seeded heads, at others empty-celled ones, 

 instead of the sun-Uke disc from which it gained its name. 



Poli/poriis kisjndus is so handsome, that its being of no known utility may be excused, even by the 

 utflitariaus. Every object in Natui-e, however, which by its attractiveness of colouring, remarkable configu- 

 ration, or other striking peculiarity, induces us to study Nature's works, is useful. TAat is an end for its 

 existence, were there no other, and perhaps there is none : t//at si(ffices. The languid duty walk ; the apathy 

 towards plants and simple objects in the path ; the dulness of the country without society ; the weariness of 

 mind which only brightens at the excitement of romances : all who, possessing themselves healthy minds, pity 

 (for they are miserable objects of pity) those who suffer under tliis mental and moral sickness, will by their 

 influence attempt to spread a taste for studies which must act as the surest " medicinal balm." Children 

 always take a strong interest in the pursuits of theii- seniors ; and should early be taught the valuable lesson 

 contained in "Eyes and no Eyes." In whatever district they may reside, some external pursuit, or object wiU 

 present itself, and habits of observation, and amusing tastes may be formed, useful tlu-ough life for the same 

 end. But if Mama object to the little fingers wliich present her a Eungus, that it has soiled the glove, or 

 forget the Eossil because chalk pits make jackets dusty ; if servants are allowed to walk ■nith the children 

 strictly in hand, and to scold at stepping across a ditch for the flower : Mama must not in reason complain 

 if the " Young Lady " be as vapid as the description we have given above ; and, in after years, unamusable, 

 delicate, repining, and should cause constant uneasiness and anxiety, instead of finding occupation and a 

 charm in everj-thing ; " The life of the house." 



