64 FOLIAGE OF TREES AND PLANTS. 



been, as it is now, a subject of admiration and de- 

 light, is perhaps full as deserving of notice, and at 

 times even more to be regarded, than the blossoms 

 which accompany it. Let us take only one yard 

 square upon the first verdant ditch-bank in spring, 

 and the variation of form and character which will 

 there be presented may probably exceed general 

 imagination ; but the object of all this extraordinary 

 diversity is concealed, with the many other myste- 

 ries of creation : yet we have such an ascendant 

 thirst for information upon the causes and nature 

 of the things about us, as to render it an apparent 

 inherent principle of the mind, inducing it to grati- 

 tude and love. From information in all the works 

 of providence arises, as a necessary consequence, 

 admiration, and an exalted sense of supreme in- 

 telligence and goodness. Without the desire of 

 knowing the designs and processes of things, no 

 investigation would be bestowed, and we should 

 remain in ignorance of all but the bare facts, and 

 gross perceptions of creation ; nor can it be ques- 

 tioned but that the more extensive our acquaintance 

 is with the objects of providence, in such propor- 

 tions must our convictions be of his justice, wisdom, 

 and power. 



The great utility of foliage, and its agency in 

 accomplishing the requirements of the plant and 

 its products are well known ; and we can form some 

 comprehension of the vast supply that is required 



