CHAPTER VII. 



THE CARNATION. 



There are many disadvantages in writing periodi- 

 cally on a given subject. Other engagements, 

 combined which the treacherous spirit of procras- 

 tination, will lead us to defer the work, until the 

 consciousness of a waiting press throws a feeling 

 of hurry and anxiety upon the mind, which is sure 

 to fetter its operations, just as they need to be 

 most vigorously performed. It was under such 

 a consciousness, that I strolled forth this morning 

 to look upon the languid flowers. A long drought 

 had sadly changed the aspect of my usually soft 

 and verdant grass-plat ; the trees that cluster 

 around it presenting quite an autumnal tint, from 

 the number of faded leaves ; while, on the border 

 open to the south, such an array of shrivelled 

 petals and whithering buds disfigured the tall rose- 

 trees that expanded upon the wall, that while I 

 gazed, my spirit drooped in sullen sympathy ; and 

 having bound some straggling carnations to the 

 sticks which I could scarcely drive into the baked 



