32 REMARKS ON THE SHRUBBKRY. 



gardens, which adorns the shores of that region. The plains of 

 Greece, overspread with ruins, would entice many to undertake 

 a voyage to a distant country, who would feel but little inclined 

 to travel over their native soil to view its richly cultivated lawns; 

 and there is no doubt, but that formerly, where one person went 

 to Egypt to be a witness of Nature's bounty to that nation, five 

 hundred became travellers to behold Pyramids. A temple after 

 its fall excites more eager curiosity that it did during its con- 

 struction • and many who will not cross their thresholds to look 

 at a beautiful calm in Nature, will rush to get a sight of a storm 

 and shipwreck in a playhouse. This love of the terrific is not a» 

 has been asserted by foreigners, peculiar to the English nation : 

 it is prevalent every where. The author observed an instance of 

 it when in Paris, in the summer of 1822. Wishing to visit the 

 celebrated garden of M. Bourseau, unequalled for the beauty 

 of its plants by any city -garden in Europe, he received in answer 

 to all enquiries for direction to the spot, the usual careless but 

 short and decisive, Je ne le connois pas, Monsieur; but on ask- 

 ing the way to La Mort, every turn and alley were readily 

 pointed out with all the bustle and officiousness of French 

 politeness. 



In this history of flowering trees and shrubs, there is nothing 

 terrible to present to the reader; but every endeavour has been 

 used to 



" Shew Nature's form in smiling beauty drest 

 And call mankind to view her and be blest." 



Diet I lib. 



It seems hardly possible for any mind to be so debased as to be 

 insensible to the effects of Nature, whose vegetable charms 

 become more endeared to us as our age and reflection increase. 

 A more delightful cabinet of natural history can scarcely be formed, 

 than the shrubbery affords, even when unadorned with exotic 

 beauties. It offers matter for contemplation of the most agree- 

 able kind which varies still as seasons revolve ; and as every tree 

 and shrub has its peculiar inhabitants, we have at the same time 

 a collection of animal and vegetable wonders, that are sufficient 

 to occupy all the leisure which our economical duties allow us. 

 As years increase, a taste for most pleasures in general diminishes. 

 Those of the court become fatiguing ; the charms of the table 

 appear to lessen ; and as passion subsides and love languishes, 



