XXX INTRODUCTION. 



poorest peasant girl to the richest peeress of 

 the realm without fear of offence. 



To those who are confined to the metro- 

 polis, or other large cities or towns, where 

 they are debarred from the enjoyment of a 

 garden, a basket of flowers of the season is 

 received as one of the most agreeable pre- 

 sents ; and when these are known to be the 

 produce of the parterres over which we gam- 

 bolled in our childhood, or presided in our 

 youth, the gift becomes doubly acceptable : 

 they picture to the imagination happy scenes 

 of our younger days, and throw present cares 

 aside, to recall to our u mind's eye" the mi- 

 nutise of the garden : each border seems to 

 arise fresh to our ideas ; each clump of Pinks, 

 each bower of Woodbines, and each bank of 

 Violets are instantly portrayed to our memory, 



Which brings to mind her childhood's innocent day, 

 And the dear fields and friendships far away. 



Moore. 



These are frequently accompanied by other 

 recollections, which seem to present us with a 

 momentary sight of some kind and benevolent 

 friend, the good nurse of our infancy, or some 



