54 



BEAUTIES OF APRIL AND MAY, 



The following article is submitted, as being well calcu- 

 lated to afford amateurs mental recreation while engaged 

 in rural pursuits ; and it is presumed that the practical gar- 

 dener wTll not view the insertion of this article as a digres- 

 sion, as it exhibits the beauty and order of the flower tribe 

 in propitious climates, or when cultivated at the proper sea- 

 son, in a truly appropriate and amusing light. 



APRIL. 

 " Descend, sweet April, from yon watery bow, 

 And liberal strew the ground with budding flowers, 

 With leatless Crocus, leaf-veiled Violet, 

 Auricula, with powdered cup. Primrose 

 That loves to lurk below the Hawthorn shade," 



It is generally admitted that the month of April gives the 

 most perfect image of sjDring; for its vicissitudes of warm 

 gleams of sunshine and gentle showers, have the most powerful 

 effect in hastening the universal springing of the vegetable 

 tribes, from whence the season derives its appellation. Next 

 comes the favourite month of the year, in poetical description, 



MAY. 

 " For thee, sweet month, the groves green liv'ries wear j 

 If not the first, the fairest in the year ; 

 Thou dost aflTord us many pleasant hours, 

 While Nature's ready pencil paints the flowers." 



The pious Hervey, in his Meditations on the Flower Gar 

 den, has furnished us many sublime ideas respecting the order, 

 variety, and beauty of the flower tribe.* It is in vain to 

 attempt a catalogue of those amiable gifts. There is an end- 



* Those who have read Hervey's Meditations on the Flower Garden, will 

 discover that the pious author's phraseology, and several of his sublime 

 ideas, are interspersed through this article, which, from being blended with 

 other matter, could not be designated in the customary way. 



