THE WONDERS OF VEGETATION. 



been given to man. In their succession throughout 

 the year they provide for us a continuous festival with 

 ever-varying decorations that follow each other in 

 regular order. First come cowslips with us, snow- 

 drops in Europe, long before the trees dare to put 

 forth their leaves. Then comes the crocus, timidly 

 peeping forth because it has but little strength to re- 

 sist the strong winds ; and with it comes the violet, 

 loved by all, and the bright primrose. These and a 

 number of wild flowers form the advanced guard of 

 the army of flowers, and their appearance, attractive 

 in itself, is all the more delightful because it announces 

 to us the approach of a vast multitude of beautiful 

 companions. 



After these the children of nature appear in regu- 

 lar order and each month brings with it its own 

 proper decorations. The tulip begins to show its 

 leaves and flowers ; soon the beautiful anemone will 

 spread out its purple-streaked petals ; and the ranun- 

 culus display its magnificence, charming the eye with 

 its harmoniously disposed colors. The crown impe- 

 rial and narcissus, lilac and lilies of the valley, iris 

 and jonquilles, decorate the flower bed. At the same 

 time the fruit-trees mingle their soft colors with the 

 fresh, bright green of the early grass ; and heighten 

 by contrast the beauty of our gardens. 



At the same time the rose begins to show its 

 lea\ es and early buds, soon to claim the position of 

 queen in the w^orld of flowers. No one can resist the 

 charms which it unfolds to view. The heart must be 

 stony that can remain without emotion at the siht of 



