14 THE BEAUTIES OF NATURE chap. 



Working in this spirit we have also the sat- 

 isfaction of feeling that, as in some mountain 

 track every one who takes the right path, 

 seems to make the way clearer for those who 

 follow; so may we also raise the profession 

 we adopt, and smooth the way for those who 

 come after us. But, even for those who are 

 not Agriculturists, it must be admitted that 

 the country has special charms. One perhaps 

 is the continual change. Every week brings 

 some fresh leaf or flower, bird or insect. 

 Every month again has its own charms and 

 beauty. We sit quietly at home , and Nature 

 decks herself for us. 



In truth we all love change. Some think 

 they do not care for it, but I doubt if they 

 know themselves. 



" Not," said Jefferies, " for many years 

 was I able to see why I went the same round 

 and did not care for change. I do not want 

 change : I want the same old and loved things, 

 the same wild flowers, the same trees and soft 

 ash-green; the turtle-doves, the blackbirds, 

 the coloured yellow-hammer sing, sing, sing- 

 ing so long as there is light to cast a shadow 



