334 GLIMPSES IX TO PLANT-LIFE 



pectedly the first primrose, and of finding that the 

 anemones and hyacinths are pushing their way to 

 the sunshine. Year by year the miracle of spring- 

 time, when the green leaves are shaken forth from 

 the hard bud is more miraculous. Summer after 

 summer the lilies are fairer, the wild roses more 

 exquisite, and on through the seasons the varying 

 pleasures succeed one another. These things never 

 pall ; and if the time should come when we can no 

 longer go out to the hills and woods to welcome 

 the spring and revel in the bounty of summer we 

 know that the past is not lost. The fair remem- 

 brance of the flowers of the field is safe in our 

 hearts, and will ' flash upon that inward eye which 

 is the bliss of solitude.' " 



