10 THE GARDEN OF EARTH 



Certain trees which were bare and brown now show 

 a ghnt of green. Some which had boasted only a gentle 

 flush of that tint, have small leaves. Others, which had 

 displayed half-open leaves have abundance, fully open. 



With lesser growths the same is seen. Plants which 

 had carried only buds have now full blossoms. Some 

 which had borne two or three flowers now bear many. 

 The Rose-bud on the hedge is a bud yet, but its coral 

 streak has so far widened that we feel any hour may see 

 it in full bloom. 



All this is only to be expected. But we begin to 

 realise what it all means, and how wonderful are these 

 silent changes, perpetually going on. 



Why should we not watch the actual working out of 

 such changes ? Why not see with our eyes the growth 

 of a leaf — the opening of a flower-bud? It happens 

 incessantly, all around us. Flower after flower unfolds. 

 Leaf after leaf expands. Can we not follow the w^onder 

 for ourselves, minute by minute, as it actually takes 

 place ? 



W^e do our best. We sit down, and fix a steadfast 

 gaze on the pretty Rose-bud, which seems just ready — 

 more than ready — to burst into bloom. We look — 

 and look — and look — steadily, persistently, till eyes 

 and brain are weary. 



And it is in vain. Not the smallest movement can 

 be observed. Not the faintest alteration can be de- 

 tected. Tired of watching, we wander away, and in 

 an hour or two come back — to find that the bud has 

 opened; the Rose is in bloom. 



Sometimes we have tried to see the movement of an 

 hour-han(J in a small watch ; and we have failed, The 



