234 



THE ANGLER'S SOUVENIR. 



morning breeze, and nods gaily at its distorted 

 reflection in the rippling lake, and the deer inhale 

 its almond scent as they come down to drink. It 

 is a tender and delicate plant, and dies soon after 

 it is plucked ; so, grasp it not, but pass your hand 

 lightly through its blossoms, and provoke it to a 

 greater fragrance. 



In the spring the " wild marsh-marigold shines 

 like fire in swamps and hollows grey ; " the water- 

 crowfoot lifts its white blossoms over every pool or 

 slow-moving stream ; in the marshy meadows the 

 cardamine, or lady's-smock, makes its appearance 

 in abundance. Its pink-white flowers are so fresh 

 and pleasant, as they nod over the old-year's grass 

 and sprouting flags, that it is a -great favourite of 

 ours, and we welcome its appearance like that of 

 the primrose and violet. 



Every one knows the daffodil : 



" A host of golden daif odils 

 Beside the lake, beneath the trees, 

 Fluttering and dancing, in the breeze, 

 Continuous as the stars that shine 

 And tumble in the milky way, 

 They stretched, in never-ending line, 

 Along the margin of a bay ; 

 Ten thousand saw I at a glance, 

 Tossing their heads in sprightly dance ! 



sings Wordsworth, and be sure his eyes rested with 

 pleasure on the golden carpet the daffodil spreads 

 in the marshy meadow hollows. 



