20 



THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



One more example of this variety of illustrated verse will suf- 

 fice, and in the one I have chosen the meaning is confessedly 

 obscure, or at least deep enough to require some thought. The 

 picture, or sketch, is one of a bunch of wild flowers (chrysanthe- 

 mums), which make their first appearance during the closing days 

 of September, by which time, also, the cheery voice of the locust 

 has been hushed by the increasing cold of the autumn : 



Though September's last days are fast ebbing away, 



And the locust's bright sonnet is stilled, 

 Yet the wild flowers fair breathe a far sweeter song 



While the air with their fragrance is filled. 



In justice it must be confessed that the imi of the above lines 

 is rather vague, but may be regarded as a reminder of Nature's 

 kind compensation, for, with the change of seasons, one beauty is 



FACSIMILE OF AN UTA, OB SONNET. 



scarcely missed before another has filled its place. Perhaps the 

 words may be construed as a gentle reproof to discontented spir- 

 its. That the very heart of the nation finds its voice in song is 

 quite evident, for in every instance where a sonnet or poem would 

 find application we are sure to find one. During the time of the 

 cherry and plum blossoms, in early spring, the bloom-laden 

 branches are further ornamented by numerous sonnets inspired 

 by the beauty of the scene written on strips of white paper, and 

 then made fast to the low-hanging branches. Indeed, the poetic 

 enthusiasm of a score of Orlandos in the forests of Arden would 

 be put to shame. Every season of the year, with the flowers that 



