54 JUNE EFFECTS ON THE LA WN. 



The very ripe and rounded perfection of flower and leaf 

 enthrals the senses in June. Nature seems now to have 

 attained to a deep, profound perfection that, while it com- 

 municates rest and peace and absolute satisfaction, does not 

 in. any sense enervate. There is nothing slumberous in the 

 air now any more than there was in spring. The senses are 

 alert and keyed to the finest enjoyment of all things in the 

 heavens above and the earth beneath. We look out on this 

 high tide of the year, and with the thought of the Creator 

 when these scenes first were born, declare that it is very 

 good. 



And of all this, much, as we have seen, is due to trees 

 and shrubs, to leaves and flowers. The spring is the time 

 of budding beauty, whether of leaf or flower ; the autumn, 

 of leaves crimson and green, or brown in final maturity and 

 decay ; and summer, late summer, the season of leaves also, 

 but of deep rich green, shadowy leaves. 



June, however, and sometimes May even, for the seasons 

 move not entirely by returning months, is the time of leaves 

 and flowers. It is the best-dowered portion of the year in 

 the way of perfected vegetation. I cannot tell you half of 

 its treasures of tinted flowers and exquisite leaf, and will 

 therefore only attempt to note briefly the attractions of a 

 few of the plants that particularly contribute to the special 

 character of these perfect days. 



But what shall I consider first ? It is, indeed, a case of 

 positive embarrassment of riches. Perhaps it may be wise to 

 look first at the leaves of certain trees, and then to those of 

 noteworthy shrubs, and so pass to the crowning effort of 

 this gifted time, the flowers of hardy trees and shrubs. I 



