278 CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. 



denly infest our grain, our fruits, and our plants. 

 There is an inquisition, where all human knowledge 

 terminates; the bounds of nature have never been 

 defined. 



Without considering the various sources of enjoy- 

 ment and pleasure bestowed upon an intelligent crea- 

 ture, what a scene of glorious display might be opened 

 to man through the agency of the eye alone ! Motives 

 we must abandon, as probably they are beyond our com- 

 prehensions ; but were the powers of vision so enlarged 

 or cleared as to bring to observation the now unknown 

 fabrication of animate and inanimate things, what as- 

 tonishment would be elicited! The seeds, the pollen of 

 plants, the capillary vessels and channels of their seve- 

 ral parts, with their concurrent actions, the clothing of 

 various creatures, and all that host of unperceived wis- 

 dom around us 1 Yet probably the mind, constituted as 

 it now is, would be disturbed by the constant excite- 

 ment such wonders would create ; but at present, 

 though. sparingly searched out by the patient investiga- 

 tor, and but obscurely seen, they solace and delight ; 

 " cheer, but not inebriate." 



"Oh good beyond compare! 

 If thus thy meaner works are fair, 

 If thus thy bounties gild the span 

 Of ruin'd earth and sinful man, 

 How glorious must that mansion be 

 Where thy redeem'd shall live with thee !" 



AND now I think I have pretty well run over my 

 diary, the humble record of the birds, the reptiles, the 

 plants, and inanimate things around me. They who 

 have had the patience to read these my notes, will 

 probably be surprised that I could take the trouble to 

 register such accounts of such things; and I might 

 think so too, did I not know how much occupation and 

 healthful recreation the seeking out these trifles have 

 afforded me, rendering, besides, all my rural rambles 

 full of enjoyment and interest : companions and inti- 



