10 INTRODUCTION. 



jectsfor new thoughts and contemplations pre- 

 sent themselves to our view, and even the most 

 dreary months still supply causes of admiration* 

 and discover a world full of wonders ; for 



" E r en Winter oft has seen' it gay, 

 With fretted frost-work spangled o'er, 

 While pendants drooped from every spray, 

 And crimson budlets told, once more, 

 That Spring would all its charms restore. M 



It is not to old age alone, that the garden 

 offers its placid delights. Every stage of life, 

 from the cradle to the grave, is attracted by 

 it's charms. The infant is ready to spring 

 from it's nurse's arms, allured by the gay 

 colours which flowers exhibit. They form 

 the most innocent toy of childhood, and 

 the cultivation of them is generally it's first 

 labour, whilst their presentation often ex- 

 plains the passion of youth. The happy belle 

 loves to entwine them in her locks, and 

 the fond parents delight to see their child 

 mimic their beauties with the pencil : 



" The flowers which grace their native beds, 

 Awhile put forth their blushing heads; 

 But, e'er the close of parting day, 

 They wither, shrink, and die away ; 

 But these, which mimic skill hath made, 

 Nor scorched by suns, nor killed by shade, 

 Shall blush with less inconstant hue, 

 Which art at pleasure can renew." 



Lloyd. 



