FOREWORD 



IN the following rambling pages I would desire 

 to lead my reader with me, and dip for a space into 

 those ' days in my garden ' when the ' things ' which 

 are there shall speak. 



Humanity is always interesting, but human nature 

 alas ! in all of us is frail and sadness too often comes 

 disappointing too, save in those few instances 

 where great love gives and forgives. The 'things' 

 of Nature to some are uninteresting, but when under- 

 stood even imperfectly they become absorbing, and if 

 in the pursuit of Nature's riches there is a risk of be- 

 coming selfish, her greater influence is for the best. 

 For the billion million mysteries that she possesses 

 are but an ever-increasing source of wonder ; and 

 wonder is the basis and foundation of worship. None 

 can contemplate the perfection of her work and 

 infinite and never-failing beauty without being 

 uplifted; surely it must hallow our conception of 

 the Designer, and bring us back to the Giver of All. 

 Nature in her Divine purity is the image of Deity. 



Happiness, if alone dependent on those around 



Vll 



