THE BEAUTIES OP APRIL AND MAY. 171 



vain to attempt a catalogue of those amiable gifts. There 

 is an endless multiplicity in their characters, yet an inva- 

 riable order in their approaches. Every month, almost every 

 week, has its peculiar ornaments ; not servilely copying the 

 works of its predecessors, but forming, still forming, and 

 still executing, some new design ; so lavish is the fancy, yet 

 so exact is the process of Nature. Were all the flowery 

 tribe to exhibit themselves at one particular season, there 

 would be at once a promiscuous throng, and at once a total 

 privation. 



We should scarcely have an opportunity of adverting to 

 the dainty qualities of half, and must soon lose the agreeable 

 company of them all. But now, since every species has a 

 separate post to occupy, and a distinct interval for appearing, 

 we can take a leisurely and minute survey of each succeed- 

 ing set. We can view and review their forms, enter into a 

 more intimate acquaintance with their charming accom- 

 plishments, and receive all those pleasing sensations which 

 they are calculated to yield. 



Before the trees have ventured to unfold their leaves, and 

 while-the icicles are pendant on our houses, the Snow-drop 

 breaks her way through the frozen soil, fearless of danger. 

 Next peeps out the Crocus, but cautiously and with an air 

 of timidity. She shuns the howling blasts, and cleaves 

 closely to her humble situation. Nor is the Violet last in 

 the shining embassy, which, with all the embellishments 

 that would grace a royal garden, condescends to line our 

 borders, and bloom at the feet of briars. Freely she distri- 

 butes the bounty of her emissive sweets, while herself retires 

 from sight, seeking rather to administer pleasure than to 

 win admiration. Emblem, expressive emblem, of those 

 modest virtues which delight to bloom in obscurity. There 

 are several kinds of Violets, but the fragrant, both blue and 

 white, are the earliest. Shakspeare compares an exquisitely 

 sweet strain of music to the delicious scent of this flower : 



"Oh ! it came o'er my ear like the sweet South, 

 That breathes upon a bank of Violets, 

 .Stealing and giving odour." 



