WILD FLOWERS. 171 



We have italicised two words in this quota- 

 tion, because we do not like them. It is our creed 

 and belief that nothing which God has created 

 is useless ; we may not perceive its applicability 

 to any known purpose, but we are not therefore 

 to conclude that it is of no service that it per- 

 forms no important function in the great scheme 

 of universal being our greatest living poet 

 says : 



"Small service is true service while'it lasts, 



Of friends, however humble, scorn not one ; 

 The daisy, by the shadow that it ea.-'ts, 



Protects the lingering dew-drop from the sun." 



We are but too apt to look upon part of the 

 vegetation with which the earth is covered 

 " clothed as with a garment of beauty" as 

 worthless and contemptible, especially when 

 there are no blossoms, which with their tint or 

 perfume, afford gratification to the senses ; and 

 to pass by " common weeds" as vile things, not 

 simply useless, but mischievous : 



" Scorn not those rude, unlovely things, 



All cultureless that grow, 

 And rank o'er woods, and wilds, and springs, 

 Their vain luxuriance throw. 



