50 SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND CHARACTER 
simple pleasures of home, and the deepening ar- 
dour of his enthusiasm in the study of Nature’s 
works. His morning hours before breakfast were 
often devoted to the search of botanical specimens, 
and during these walks he sometimes amused him- 
self with planting in suitable situations a few of 
the rarer English species, in the hope of seeing 
them naturalized. In the following extract from 
his diary, we have a very pleasing picture of his 
mind at this period of life, and may clearly trace 
in it the characteristic features which time more 
amply developed. 
“ On my return from Altrincham, I was struck 
with a pretty building in the cottage style, in front 
and around which, was a beautiful garden, with a 
profusion of climbing-plants, roses, shrubs, &c., 
tastefully laid out; a small pond contained the 
Nymphea, Menyanthes, Butomus, &c.; a rockery 
too for mountain plants, and every thing requisite 
for a perfect garden.—l alighted, and was allowed 
to walk through this Elysium. The sun shone 
full upon the scene, and gave to the quivering 
dew, which hung upon the shrubs and flowers, all 
the varied tints of Iris; the birds were striving to 
emulate each other, in sending up their morning 
hymn of praise; and I should have been at a loss to 
