( 185 ) 



HERBS. 



A GREAT green book, whose broad pages are illumi- 

 nated with flowers, lies open at the feet of Londoners. 

 This volume, without further preface, lies ever open 

 at Kew Gardens, and is most easily accessible from 

 every part of the metropolis. A short walk from Kew 

 station brings the visitor to Cumberland Gate. Best- 

 ing for a moment upon the first seat that presents 

 itself, it is hard to realize that London has but just 

 been quitted. 



Green foliage around, green grass beneath, a 

 pleasant sensation not silence, but absence of jarring 

 sound blue sky overhead, streaks and patches of 

 sunshine where the branches admit the rays, wide, 

 cool shadows, and clear, sweet atmosphere. High in 

 a lime tree, hidden from view by the leaves, a chiff- 

 chaff sings continually, and from the distance comes 

 the softer note of a thrush. On the close-mown grass 

 a hedge-sparrow is searching about within a few yards, 

 and idle insects float to and fro, visible against the 

 background of a dark yew tree they could not be 

 seen in the glare of the sunshine. The peace of green 

 things reigns. 



It is not necessary to go further in; this spot at 

 the very entrance is equally calm and still, for there 



