58 THE BEAUTIES OF APRIL AND MAY. 



Shakspe*are draws a pathetic comparison from this circum- 

 stance, of the delusive nature of human expectations : 



" This is the state of man : to-day he puts forth 

 The tender leaves of hope ; to-morrow blossoms, 

 And bears his blushing honours thick upon him ; 

 The third day comes a frost, a killing frost, 

 And nips his root." 



But now we return to the garden. Before we have time 

 to explore Nature's treasures, many disappear ; among these 

 are the humble Daisy, which shrinks from the intense heat, 

 and the several varieties of Primulas, or early spring flowers. 

 The various grades of Polyanthus deserve a close inspection ; 

 these, for a while, exhibit their sparkling beauties, but, alas ! 

 soon disappear. Scarcely have we sustained this loss, but 

 in comes the Auracula, and more than retrieves it. Arrayed 

 she comes in a splendid variety of amiable forms, with an 

 eye of crystal, and garments of the most glossy satin. A 

 very distinguished procession this ! the favourite care of the, 

 florist; but these also soon disappear. "Who could forbear 

 grieving at their departure, did not the various sorts of bulb- 

 ous flowers burst their bands asunder, or rather expand so 

 as to exhibit their fragrance and beauty. 



"Fair-handed Spring 

 Throws out the Snow-drop and the Crocus first, 

 The Daisy, Primrose, Violet darkly blue, 

 And Polyanthus with unnumbered dyes. 

 Then comes the Auracula, enriched with shining meal, 

 O'er all their velvet leaves." 



While we reluctantly dispense with the sweet perfumes 

 of the Hyacinth and Narcissus, we behold the Tulips begin 

 to raise themselves on their fine wands or stately stalks. They 

 flush the parterre with one of the gayest dresses that bloom- 

 ing Nature wears. Here one may behold the innocent wan- 

 tonness of beauty. Here she indulges a thousand freaks, and 

 sports herself in the most charming diversity of colours. In 

 a grove of Tulips, or a bed of Pinks one perceives a differ- 



