STREAMLETS AND THEIR BANKS. 19 



peering over the meadows in search of food, and 

 jerking their white tails as they wander about ; 

 nothing can be more agreeable than a stroll on a 

 fine day by the side of one these little modest 

 streamlets. They have but little inducement for 

 the angler, but much for the naturalist. Here he 

 may gather nature's nosegay of sweetest flowers, 

 while he reclines on a bank, 



whereon the wild thyme blows, 

 Where or-lips and the nodding violet grows ; 

 Quite orer canopied with lush woodbine, 



or listen to 



The lark, who amid the clear blue sky, 

 Carols, but is not seen. 



The very remembrance of these scenes is de- 

 lightful, for they leave a freshness in the mind 

 which time cannot obliterate. I am thankful that 

 my official employments enable me still occasion- 

 ally to enjoy them, and I can exclaim with the 

 poet of Wiltshire as I walk on the banks of a 

 favourite river, or sit under the shade of a tree by 

 its sides 



'tis pleasant when thy breath is on the leaves 

 Without, to rest in this embowering shade, 

 And mark the green fly, circling to and fro, 

 O'er the still water, with his dragon wings 

 Shooting from bank to bank, now in quick turns, 

 Then swift athwart, as is the gazer's glance, 

 Pursuing still his mate.* 



* MR. BOWLES. 



