PREFACE. 



This is the preface to the Third Series of this worlv, 

 and it seems to be necessary to say something. And 

 yet if you will just turn from this page and open the 

 window and look at the garden, the flowers should 

 speak with far better effect than the author could 

 possibly hope to do. Thus, by going to the fountain- 

 head — which, of course, is out of doors — you will get 

 a better discourse than can be attempted here, 

 whether as a prologue or epilogue. 



" The flowers have glad voices," and the less we 

 have to say, the more agreeably will their utterances 

 be heard. Those who are deaf to their voices may 

 be able to see their colours or inhale their fragrance, 

 and they will have only themselves to blame if they 

 fail to appreciate their innumerable beauties. 



