XX11 PREFACE. 



their minute, but highly interesting struc- 

 ture ; whether we walk forth in the early 

 spring, when the ruby tips of the haw- 

 thorn-bush give the first sign of its ap- 

 proaching vegetation, or a little after, 

 when the violet welcomes us with its scent, 

 and the primrose with its beauty; whether 

 we contemplate in succession all the pro- 

 fuse flowery treasures of the summer, or 

 the more hidden secrets of Nature at the 

 season when fruits and seeds are forming ; 

 the most familiar objects, like old friends, 

 will always afford us something to study 

 and to admire in their characters, while 

 new discoveries will awaken a train of new 

 ideas. The yellow blossoms of the morn- 

 ing, that fold up their delicate leaves as 

 the day advances ; others that court and 

 sustain the full blaze of noon ; and the 

 pale night-scented tribe, which expand, 

 and diffuse their very sw r eet fragrance, 

 towards evening, will all please in their 



