OENAMENTAL SHETJBS, ETC. 211 



is very desirable. We are supposed to have very few esculent 

 fruits, and probably such is the case ; but when we trace back 

 some of the highly flavoured fruits of the mother country, and 

 consider, for instance, how the numerous varieties of apple have 

 sprung from the harsh and austere crab, it is not too fanciful to 

 hazard an opinion that some of our native plants contain in 

 themselves elements for improvement. Why, for instance, should 

 not experiments be made on the " Native Grape," the " Native 

 Easpberry," the "Illawarra Plum" (Cargillia), the " Quandang," 

 or the fruit of the Achras ? Or why should we be too proud to 

 take a lesson from our sable brethren, and diligently examine 

 the nourishing properties of the vegetable productions which 

 they use as food, such as the tubers of the Arum, the nuts of 

 Macrozamidy the bulbous stems of some species of Orchids, and 

 the roots of certain Cyperacea ? And, lastly, why should we not 

 allure our native youth to the study of the Vegetable Kingdom, 

 by placing before them, in gardens for the inspection of all classes, 

 the beautiful flowers and elegant shrubs which now perhaps are 

 wasting their fragrance on the desert air ? Whilst felicitating 

 themselves on the vast extent of their cattle runs, or the inex- 

 haustible resources of their mines, it is to be regretted that too 

 many of our young men are insensible to the exquisite beauties 

 and wonderful structures that are inviting contemplation. " The 

 lilies of the field," indeed, " with placid smile," 



" Eeprove man's feverish strivings, and infuse 



Through his worn soul a more unworldly life, 



With their soft, holy breath," 



but these delightful impressions elude the grasp of the unobserv- 

 ing multitude ; for, as in the moral world, the most precious 

 truths are appreciated only by the humble and patient inquirer, 

 so in the natural world, if a person wishes to understand some- 

 thing of the mysteries of creation and to rise from Nature's works 

 to Nature's Grod, he must diligently examine the " Revelation of 

 love" around him, and hold fast the truths which it unfolds. 



