322 HAiF- HOURS IN TIIE GREEN LANES. 



than these, for they reveal to us thepresenceof millions 

 of organic forms, none of which can he associated 

 with any utility to man, but whose vital processes 

 none the less speak of the Wisdom and Love which 

 have constructed them, and fitted them to be sharers 

 of our terrestrial life. In the companionship of that 

 life we find a higher purpose than mere utilitarian- 

 Fig. 261 Fig. 262. 



Lycr>perdon pyriforme. Puff-ball (L. pusillum). 



ism ; for, as good George Herbert has it, the natural 

 world is but a pyramid, at the summit of which 

 stands reasoning, responsible man, the mouth-piece 

 and high-priest of the dumb forms which can utter 

 no song of thanks or praise except through their 

 gambols whilst man is permitted, mind to mind, as 

 face to face, to investigate this great mystery of 

 life, and pour out in intelligible language his thanks 

 to tho Creator ! 



