164 BRAMBLES AND BAY LEAVES. 



Not alone are they beautiful, and redolent of sweet influences, but 

 they minister like faithful and loving servants to our wants, and open 

 up a new source of wealth to those who will but seek that knowledge, 

 without which nature is dumb and unmeaning, but, with which 

 everything around us teems with life and beauty. It is a pleasure 

 to know that in the pathless woods, in the shady dell of the forest, 

 in the hedgerows, in the pools and streams, on the bleak com- 

 mon, and beside the cottage wall ; there are innumerable sources of 

 wealth and comfort which remain unseen, unknown, and almost un- 

 cared for by the great mass of humanity. 



" Not useless are ye, flowers ! though made for pleasure, 

 Blooming o'er field or wave, by day and night ; 

 From every source your sanction bids me treasure 

 Harmless delight." 



