

INTRODUCTION. 



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IT has been well remarked, that a garden affords 

 the purest of human pleasures. The study of 

 Nature is interesting in all her manifold combina- 

 tions : in her wildest attitudes, and in her artful 

 graces. The mind is amused, charmed, and aston- 

 ished in turn, with contemplating her inexhausti- 

 ble display ; and we worship the God who crea- 

 ted such pure and simple blessings for his crea- 

 tures. These blessings are open to all degrees 

 and condition of men. Nature is not a boon 

 bestowed upon the high-born, or purchased by 

 the wealthy at a kingly price. The poor, the 

 blind, the halt, and the diseased, enjoy her beauty, 

 and derive benefit from her study. Every cottager 

 enjoys the little garden which furnishes his table 

 with comforts, and his mind with grateful feel- 

 ings, if that mind is susceptible of religous im- 

 pressions. He contemplates the gracious Provi- 

 dence which has bestowed such means of enjoy- 

 ment 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 who are not too blind to 

 behold his mercy. With this blessed view before 

 his mental sight, the cottager cultivates his little 

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