THE HAWTHORN. 95 



our windows the monotonous and dingy prospect of a long 

 succession of house-tops and chimneys, how refreshing is 

 it to turn our eyes to the green symbol of spring, which 

 tells us that Ilature, in her own lovely domain, is quietly 

 preparing her robe of summer beauty ! In the balmy 

 month of May, the Hawthorn has no rival. It may then 

 be said to live in an atmosphere of its own fragrance, the 

 whole country being filled with its delicious odour. It 

 has never been my lot to scent the aromatic breezes which 

 are said to float through the air for a distance of many 

 miles from the shores of Ceylon ; but I can scarcely 

 think that they are more grateful in themselves, or con- 

 nected with more delightful associations, than the Haw- 

 thorn perfume of an English spring. And as to its 

 wreaths of snowy blossoms, I know nothing more beautiful 

 — some with their blossoms fully expanded, dotted with 

 their delicate pink stamens — others, as yet unfolded, re- 

 sembling little globes of silver set in pedestals of emerald. 

 India may boast of more gorgeous flowers, but surely of 

 nothing more elegant and graceful. 



" When first the tender blades of gi-ass appear, 

 And buds, that yet the blast of Eurus fear, 

 Stand at the door of life, and doubt to clothe the year 

 Till gentle heat, and soft repeated rains, 

 Make the green blood to dance within their veins : 

 Then, at their call embolden'd, out they come, 

 And swell the gems, and burst their narrow room ; 

 Broader and broader yet, their leaves display, 

 Salute the welcome sun, and entertain the day. 

 Then from their breathing souls the sweets repair 

 To scent the skies, and purge th' unwholesome air : 

 Joy spreads the heart, and with a general song 

 Spring issues out, and leads the jolly mouths along." 



Dryden. 



In spring and summer the Hawthorn breathes the 

 very soul of rustic poetry ; its rich profusion of crimson 

 berries contributes largel}'' to the glorious colouring of 

 aiitumn, and scarcely less to relieve the dreary sameness of 

 winter. 



