ORCHIDs, 76 
» a few of the Lelias, and 
Stow to a length of ten feet, The 
as, in their native land, are found thrice the height 
of aman. The duration of some orchid families is notewo 
also. An experienced gardener ma 
the size and appearance of the bulb 
declares that he saw 
inches; while several of the Dendrobes 
one at least, of the Oncidiums, 
reed-like Sobrali 
rthy, 
y learn much of their age, by 
s. An English military officer 
in Burmah, a gigantic specimen which bore 
trustworthy marks of being a hundred years old. 
Thou hast not left 
Thyself without a witness in these shades, 
Of thy perfections. Grandeur, strength, and grace 
Are here to speak of Thee. 
That delicate forest flower 
With scented breath, and look so like a smile, 
Seems, as it issues from the shapeless mould, 
An emanation of the indwelling Life, 
A visible token of the upholding Love, 
That are the soul of this wide universe. 
My heart is awed within me when I think 
Of the great miracle that still goes on, 
In silence round me — the perpetual work 
Of Thy creation, finished, yet renewed 
Forever. Written on Thy works I read 
The lesson of Thy own eternity. 
Oh, there is not lost 
One of earth’s charms: Upon her bosom yet, 
After the flight of untold centuries, 
The freshness of her far beginning lies, 
And yet shall lie. 
BRYANT. 
