SUMMER. 99 



ill June, before even the white roses; and though they are 

 apt to be slighted during the fulness and variety of sum- 

 mer's flowers, yet when all our brighter blossoms have left 

 us, the Chinese rose flowers on often till December; and pale 

 and frail as its buds become, we value it then, and never 

 feel the garden or drawing-room perfectly flowerless till the 

 bitter frosts of winter have killed our Chinese roses. But 

 I am anticipating, though, indeed, it is not easy to say 

 what are summer and what are autumn flowers : for many, 

 such as the dahlia, that used to rank among the latter, now 

 mingle with roses and pinks; but if I allow them to 

 trespass on my summer chapter, I fear I will have nothing 

 left for autumnal records. So as Spring glided into Sum- 

 mer, let Autumn gradually take her turn, and, rich in 

 fruits and flowers, " crown the year with goodness." 



