THE 



MINSTRELSY OF THE WOODS. 



INTRODUCTION. 



" Their little lives are free from care, 



From bush to brake they fly, 

 Filling the rich ambrosial air 

 Of summer's painted sky : 

 They flit about the fragrant wood; 

 Elisha's God provides them food, 

 ^ And hears them when they cry. 

 For ever blithe and blest are they, 

 Their sinless course a summer's day." 



BLACKWOOD. 



EVERY study, the pursuit of which leads the 

 young student out into the fields and woods, to 

 observe, in minute detail, the wonderful works 

 of the Author of nature, and learn how " in 

 wisdom he hath made them all," every such 

 study is alike healthful to body and mind. The 

 botanist, with his fragrant wild-flowers and 

 wreathed garlands; the entomologist, with his 

 insect train, and all their wonderful transforma- 



B 



