CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTION. 



has been well remarked that a garden affords the purest ol 

 human pleasures. The study of Nature is interesting in all 

 her manifold combinations : in her wildest attitudes, and in 

 her artful graces. The mind is amused, charmed, and astonished 

 in turn, with contemplating her inexhaustible display; and we wor- 

 ship the God who created such pure and simple blessings for his 

 creatures. These blessings are open to all degrees and conditions 

 of men. Nature is not a boon bestowed upon the high-born, ur 

 purchased by the wealthy at a kingly price. The poor, the blind. 

 the halt, and the diseased, enjoy her beauty, and derive benerit 

 from her study. Every cottager enjoys the little garden which 

 furnishes his table with comforts, and his mind with grateful fefel- 

 ings, if that mind is susceptible of religious impressions. He 

 contemplates the gracious Providence which has bestowed such 

 means of ^enjoyment upon him, as the Father whose all-seeing 

 eye provides for the lowliest of his children ; and who has placed 

 the " purest of human pleasures " within the reach of all whc are 

 not too blind to behold his mercy. With this blessed view before 

 his mental sight, the cottager cultivates his little homestead. The 

 flowers and fruits of the earth bud, bloom, and decay in their 

 season ; but Nature igain performs her deputed mission, and 

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