154 ftbe (Barfcen 



kinds of birds retiring into this little green spot, 

 and enjoying themselves among the branches 

 and foliage, when my great garden, which I 

 have before mentioned to you, does not afford a 

 single leaf for their shelter. 



You must know, sir, that I look upon the 

 pleasure which we take in a garden as one of 

 the most innocent delights in human life. A 

 garden was the habitation of our first parents 

 before the fall. It is naturally apt to fill the 

 mind with calmness and tranquillity, and to lay 

 all its turbulent passions at rest. It gives us a 

 great insight into the contrivance and wisdom 

 of Providence, and suggests innumerable sub- 

 jects for meditation. I cannot but think the 

 very complacency and satisfaction which a man 

 takes in these works of nature to be a laudable, 

 if not a virtuous, habit of mind. For all which 

 reasons I hope you will pardon the length of 

 my present letter. 



I am, 



Sir, etc. 



