XVIU PREFACE. 



yellow blossoms of the morning, 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 ex- 

 pand, and diffuse their very sweet fragrance, 

 towards evening, will all please in their turn. 

 Though spring is the season of hope and novel- 

 ty, to a naturalist more especially, yet the wise 

 provisions and abundant resources of Nature, 

 in the close of the year, will yield an observing 

 mind no less pleasure, than the rich variety 

 of her autumnal tints affords to the admirers 

 of her external charms. The more we study 

 the works of the Creator, the more wisdom, 

 beauty and harmony become manifest, even 

 to our limited apprehensions ; and while we 

 admire, it is impossible not to adore. 



*' Soft roll your incense, herbs, and fruits, and flowers, 

 In mingled clouds, to Him, whose sun exalts, 

 Whose breath perfumes you, and whose pencil paints ! " 



