THE BEAUTIES OP APRIL AND MAY. 55 



less multiplicity of their characters, yet an invariable order 

 in their approaches. Every month, almost every week, has 

 its peculiar ornaments ; not servilely copying the works of 

 its predecessors, but forming-, still forming, and still executing, 

 some new design ; so lavish is the fancy, yet so exact is the 

 process of Nature. Were all the flower tribe to exhibit 

 themselves at one particular season, there would be at once 

 a promiscuous throng, and at once a total privation. 



We should scarcely have an opportunity of adverting to 

 the dainty qualities of half, and must soon lose the agreeable 

 company of them all. But now, since every species has a 

 separate post to occupy, and a distinct interval for appearing, 

 we can take a leisurely and minute survey of each succeed- 

 ing set. We can view and review their forms, enter into a 

 more intimate acquaintance with their charming accomplish- 

 ments, and receive all those pleasing sensations which they 

 are calculated to yield. 



Before the trees have ventured to unfold their leaves, and 

 while the icicles are 2:)endant on our houses, the Snow-drop 

 breaks her way through the frozen soil, fearless of danger. 

 Next peeps out the Crocus, but cautiously and with an air 

 of timidity. She shuns the howling blasts, and cleaves 

 closely -to her humble situation. Nor is the Violet last in the 

 shining embassy, which, with all the embellishments that 

 would grace a royal garden, condescends to line our borders, 

 and bloom at the feet of briars. Freely she distributes the 

 bounty of her emissive sweets, while herself retires from 

 sight, seeking rather to administer pleasure than to win admi- 

 ration. Emblem, expressive emblem, of those modest virtues 

 which delight to bloom in obscurity. There are several kinds 

 of Violets, but the fragrant, both blue and white, are the 

 earliest. Shakspeare compares an exquisitely sweet strain 

 of mxusic to the delicious scent of this flower : 



" Oh ! it came o'er my ear like the sweet South, 

 That breathes upon a bank of Violets, 

 Stealing and giving odour." 



