STRONG DRINK AND TOBACCO SMOKE. 31 



tlic plant with the wonderful power of abstractmg silica 

 from the soil in which it grows to harden and protect 

 Loth stem and leaves with a nature as glistening as steel 

 itself, and has so adapted its form and mode of growth 

 as to suggest the utmost economizing of space : finally, 

 to complete her fair work, ere its life is ended by the 

 reaper's sickle, and its gracious fruit is gathered for our 

 use, she has clothed it in golden hues to gild — 



" A gailj'-cliequered, lieart-expanding view, 

 Far as the circling eye can shoot around 

 U abounded, tossing in a held of corn." 



