THE STOET OF THE WILD PLOWERS, 3 



the gay flowers which gladdened his youth, and which 

 even now kindle holy sympathies in his breast, and 

 teach him that he has a spirit that can soar nearer to 

 heaven, and purify the dross of his life! The field 

 flowers seem to bloom for him. They are free to him. 

 They speak to him, perhaps, of a sunny childhood and 

 of hopeful manhood. They are entwined round our 

 lives. Their varied hues, forms, and loveliness speak 

 to the heart. "We would cherish them, and learn from 

 each grassy stem the story of its life, and from each 

 sunny flower gather the honey of its history. Each 

 drooping bud and each sturdy tree is full of interest. 

 They breathe, live, and speak. Let them not speak in 

 vain. Let us be their humble interpreters as we journey 

 by the quiet hedgerows, over the wild moor, or through 

 the silent glades of the chequered wood, and by the 

 mossy bank of brook and river. It will be found that 

 there is not a plant but will reveal some peculiar beauty, 

 some exquisite adaptation, to reward the attentive 

 observer. We are told, 



' ! T is wise to let the touch of Nature thrill 

 Through the full heart ; 'tis wise to take your fill 

 Of all she brings, and gently to give way 

 To what within your soul she seems to say." 



1 ! 



