274 RECOLLECTIONS OF A BOTANIST. ch. xi. 



solitariness of northern moorland and morass — these 

 dominant impressions suggested by the aspects of nature 

 are varied and enriched for the naturalist by the myriad 

 phases of beauty that are disclosed to the eye of the 

 observer. The glory of colour in the gentian and 

 saxifrage and golden Alyssum, and the other bright 

 creatures that haunt the mountain tops ; the tender 

 grace of the delicate ferns that dwell in the rocky clefts ; 

 the teeming life of the warm woodland ; the strange 

 beauty of the unaccustomed forms that spring up in the 

 desert solitudes ; the purple glow of the heath relieving 

 the sombreness of the leaden sky, and the delicate 

 structures of the Drosera and Menyanthes, and bog- 

 asphodel, and many another inhabitant of our northern 

 bogs — these and countless other images are instantaneously 

 revived by contact with the specimen that grew beside 

 them. Strangest of all is, perhaps, the enduring nature 

 of this connection. Often does it happen, as many a 

 botanist can testify, that after a lapse of a quarter, nay, 

 even half, a century, the sight of a specimen will bring- 

 back the picture, seemingly effaced long ago, of its 

 original home. 



We were on foot again at 5.30 a.m.. May 24, and the 

 order for departure went forth. But, as usual, there were 

 unexpected causes for delay. Many sick came to invoke 

 Hooker's medical skill, some trifling presents were to 

 be distributed, and finally word was brought that the 

 Kai'd meant to accompany us for some distance on our 

 day's journey, and it was necessary to await his appearance. 

 Among the articles provided for presents we had included 

 scissors and needles ; but such things, especially the 

 needles, were everywhere disregarded by the natives, 

 whether Moor or Shelluh ; and it appeared that the art of 

 sewing, as well as every other occupation requiring the 

 slightest manual dexterity, is — at least in country places 

 ■^ exclusively practised by the Jews ; to them, accordingly, 

 such gifts were very welcome. In the larger towns there 



