254 OBSERVATIONS ON THE PLEASURE GARDEN. 



thoughts and contemplations present themselves to our view, and even 

 the most dreary months still supply cause of admiration, and discover 

 a world full of wonders ; for, 



" ' E'en Winter oft has seen it gay, 



"With fretted frost-work spangled o'er, 

 "While pendants drooped from every spray, 

 And crimson bodlets told, once more 

 That spring would all its charms restore.' 



" It is not to old age alone that the garden offers its placid delights. 

 Every stage of life, from the cradle to the grave, is attracted by its 

 charms. The infant is ready to spring from its nurse's arms, allured 

 by the gay colours which flowers exhibit. 



" They form the most innocent toy of childhood, and the cultiva- 

 tion of them is generally its first labour, whilst their presentation 

 often explains the passion of youth. The happy belle loves to 

 entwine them in her locks, and the fond parents delight to see their 

 child mimic their beauties with the pencil ; 



'• ' The flowers that grace their native beds. 

 Awhile put forth their blushing heads ; 

 But ere the close of parting day, 

 They wither, shrink, and die away ; 

 But these, which mimic skill hath made, 

 Nor scorched by suns, nor killed by shade, 

 Shall blush with less unconstant hue, 

 Which art at pleasure can renew.' 



" The representation of flowers is the proper style of drawing for 

 the softer sex. In this attempt they will succeed, and by this study 

 will afford us delight, which they cannot do ' when o'erstepping the 

 modesty of nature,' and the limits of their proper employment, they 

 present us with specimens of their proficiency in the science of 

 anatomy. A pursuit like this is often too bold, and the subjects 

 sometimes too masculine to suit the feelings of the other sex. But 

 flowers are the peculiar province of the fair, and the nearer their 

 imitation approaches to nature, the more it delights us; which paint- 

 ings of murders, massacres, deaths, and agony, certainly cannot. 

 The beauty and grace that may be displayed in grouping flowers, 

 united with the gaiety of their colours and the harmony of their tints, 

 are well worthy the attention of those who were born to render life 

 delightful. The neatness, nicety, and patience required in finishing 

 flower-pieces, seem to demand the delicate band of a female artist. 



