INTRODUCTION. 7 



slums, privation and suffering of every kind, are 

 their lot. Others there are dwellers also in towns 

 and cities who can at times, though rarely, snatch 

 a few hours from their toilsome labours for a brief 

 glimpse at the beautiful in Nature. Others again 

 there are who can devote longer periods to the 

 relaxation and enjoyment afforded by a ramble 

 across country meads and through country lanes, 

 by the silvery waters of the flowing brook, and 

 through the shady woodland. 



There are still a great many others whose oppor- 

 tunities for enjoying the country are unlimited. 

 Time and money are at their disposal, and if they 

 do not live in the country, they can at any time and 

 at any season transport themselves thither. To 

 each and to all, to the rich as well as to the poor, 

 and to one no more than to the other, God offers 

 the bounties of the natural world. But how 

 different are the degrees of appreciation of these 

 bounties on the part of those who share them ! 

 How keen is the enjoyment of those who can 

 find 



" Books in the running brooks, 

 Sermons in stones, and good in everything !" 



