274 AUTUMN AND AUI'UMNAL FLOWEHS. 



In the baronial days of our ancestors, Flora seldom lengthened her 

 reign in these realms beyond the end of the summer months; but since 

 floriculture has been so justly appreciated as one of the most refined 

 and rational amusements for the leisure hours of peace and tranquillity, 

 the fair goddess has been pleased to continue her smiles on this happy 

 island throughout tlie year. 



In the history of the plants which we have to describe under this 

 season, it will appear that nearly all the flowers M-hich grace the 

 autumnal parterre have been borrowed from warmer climes, and whicli, 

 through the art of our florists, have been naturalized and made to 

 flourish in this northern part of tlie globe, so as to lengtiien the appear- 

 ance of suunner by the gaiety they give to the pleasure-grounds, and 

 thus detain Flora in tlie open garden, until 



" The radiant ruler of the year 



At lengtli his wint'ry goal attains, 

 Soon to revetse the long career, 



And northward bend his steady reins." 



The floral queen then holds her court under the crystal temples tliat 

 her numerous votaries have erected for her security against the attacks 

 of Boreas. 



" 'Tis a bower of Arcadean sweets, 

 AVhere Flora is still in her prime, 

 A fortress to which she retreats 



From the cruel assaults of the clime. 



" Wliile earth wears a mantle of snow. 

 There Pinks are as fresh and as gay 

 As the fairest and sweetest that blow 

 On the beautiful bosom of May." 



The beauties of autumn formerly consisted of the change which then 

 takes place in the tints of the foliage of trees and plants. Akenside 

 says— 



" Autumn tinges ev'ry fertile branch 

 With blooming gold and blushes like the morn." 



To these beauties is added the glowing colours of ripened fruits, 

 which have called forth the lively effusions of the poets of all ages. 

 Horace observes, in the fifth ode of liis second book, 



" Autumn soon, of various dyes, 

 Shall with kinder warmth arise. 

 Bid tlie livid clusters glow, 

 And a riper purple show." 



Donne tells us, in poetical numbers, 



" No spring or summer's beauty hath such grace 

 As I have seen in one autumnal face." 



Pope seems equally to have regarded these grand changes of 

 nature : — ■ 



