16 FLOWER-GARDENING. 



ing robe of virgin whiteness, while doleful black is never seen 

 in the wardrobe of spring. The weeds of mourning would be 

 a manifest indecorum when Nature holds a universal festival. 

 She would now inspire none but delightful ideas ; and there 

 fore always makes her appearance in some amiable attire. 

 Here stands a warrior clad with crimson. There sits a magis 

 trate robed in scarlet. Yonder a pretty flower seems to have 

 dipped its petals in the rainbow, and glitters in all the gay 

 colors of that resplendent arch. Some rise into a curious cut, 

 or fall into a set of beautiful bells. Others spread themselves 

 in a swelling tuft, or crowd into a delicious cluster. In some 

 the predominant stain softens by the gentlest diminutions, till 

 it has even stolen away from itself. The eye is amused at the 

 agreeable delusion, and we wonder to find ourselves insensibly 

 decoyed into quite a different lustre. In others one would 

 think the fine tinges were emulous of preeminence. Disdaining 

 to mingle, they confront one another with the resolution of 

 rivals, determined to dispute the prize of beauty ; while each 

 is improved, by the opposition, into the highest vivacity of 

 complexion. 



&quot; Mrs. Paeony came in quite late in a heat, 

 &quot;With the Ice -plant, dew-spangled from forehead to feet ; 

 Lobelia, attired like a queen in her pride, 

 And Dahlias, with trimmings new furbish d and dyed, 

 And the Bluebells and Harebells in simple array, 

 With all their Scotch cousins from highland and brae, 

 Ragged Ladies and Marigolds clustered together, 

 And gossip d of scandal, the news, and the weather ; 

 What dresses were worn at the wedding so fine 

 Of sharp Mrs. Thistle and sweet Columbine.&quot; 



