12 THE GARDEN OF EARTH 



hand does move, but so slowly, so gently, that we 

 cannot detect its motion. So it is with plants and 

 leaves and flowers. 



In some cases growth is far more rapid than in others. 

 A Scarlet-runner will in one night — if it is a good growing 

 night, warm and close — become four or five inches 

 longer. Hops are still more expeditious. A Hop- 

 shoot has been known in a single night to add eight or 

 nine inches to its length. Yet even then, if we sat up 

 with a lamp, and gazed continuously hour after hour, 

 it is more than doubtful whether we should actually 

 detect the growth. 



As Keble wrote — 



" Who ever saw the earHest Rose 

 First open her sweet breast ? " 



But it is worth while to make the attempt. Looking 

 into such possibilities for ourselves is much more 

 interesting than only to hear what other people may 

 have done. 



" A Rosebud by my early walk 

 Adown a corn-enclosed bawk, 

 Sae gently bent its thorny stalk, 



All on a dewy morning. 

 Ere twice the shades o' dawn are fled. 

 In a' its crimson glory spread, 

 And drooping rich the dewy head, 



It scents the early morning. 



So thou, sweet Rosebud, young and gay, 

 Shalt beauteous blaze upon the day. 

 And bless the parent's evening ray 



That watched thy early morning." ^ 



'^ Robert Burns, 



