SOUTH AMERICA. 263 



must at once convince him that this country is FOUETH 



J JOUBKET. 



very much visited by strangers ; and he will draw 

 the conclusion that there must be something in 

 it uncommonly interesting to cause so many 

 travellers to pass to and fro. 



Nature is losing fast her ancient garb, and 

 putting on a new dress in these extensive regions. 

 Most of the stately timber has been carried 

 away ; thousands of trees are lying prostrate on 

 the ground ; while meadows, corn-fields, villages, 

 and pastures are ever and anon bursting upon 

 the traveller's view as he journeys on through the 

 remaining tracts of wood. I wish I could say 

 a word or two for the fine timber which is yet 

 standing. Spare it, gentle inhabitants, for your 

 country's sake ; these noble sons of the forest 

 beautify your landscapes beyond all description; 

 when they are gone, a century will not replace 

 their loss ; they cannot, they must not fall ; their 

 vernal bloom, their summer richness, and au- 

 tumnal tints, please and refresh the eye of man ; 

 and even when the days of joy and warmth are 

 fled, the wintry blast soothes the listening ear 

 with a sublime and pleasing melancholy as it 

 howls through their naked branches. 



" Around me trees unnumber'd rise, 

 Beautiful in various dyes. 

 The gloomy pine, the poplar blue, 

 The yellow beech, the sable yew ; 

 The slender fir, that taper grows, 

 The sturdy oak, with broad-spread boughs." 



