PARTRIDGE-BERRY. 37 



saved more human lives than any other. In the pigment pro- 

 duced from the Madder plant, we have the basis and substance 

 of some of our most useful dyes. These, and several other useful 

 plants that might be named, are all first cousins to our bright 

 little friend of the early spring time. 



New are the leaves on the oaken spray, 



New the blades of the silky grass; 

 Flowers, that were buds but yesterday, 



Peep from the ground where'er I pass. 



These gay idlers, the butterflies, 



Broke, to-day, from their winter shroud; 



These light airs, that winnow the skies, 



Blow, just born, from the soft white cloud. 



Gushing fresh in the little streams, 



What a prattle the waters make! 

 Even the sun, with his tender beams, 



Seems as young as the flowers they wake. 



Children are wading, with cheerful cries, 



In the shoals of the sparkling brook; 

 Laughing maidens, with soft young eyes, 



Walk or sit in the shady nook. 



Bryant. 



