14 BIRD PARADISE 



natural eye sees but a small part of what each 

 blossom contains. I find often that a tribe of 

 minute insects occupy the flower, making it their 

 home. Sometimes there will be several of these 

 tribes dwelling in the same blossom. Curious 

 how active these little fellows are. They go in 

 and out, between the minor blossoms, and seem 

 to have plenty of room — a palace of gold surely. 

 How clearly the heart of this common flower is 

 given expression in Lowell's familiar lines : 



" My childhood's earliest thoughts are linked with thee, 

 The sight of thee calls back the robins' song, 



Who, from the dark old tree 

 Beside the door sang clearly all day long. 



And I secure in childish piety. 

 Listened as I heard an angel sing 



With news from heaven which he could bring 

 Fresh every day to my untainted ears, 

 When birds and flowers, and I were happy peers." 



From some points on our hill I can see with 

 my field-glaas twenty and more teams plowing. 

 Such an outlook savors altogether of the spring 

 time. There is something in the steady move- 

 ment of the teams that is a picture of sturdy 

 strength, while the bearing of the plowman 

 uplifts the banner of one who rules. How easy 



