Introduction. 11 



the foresight announced a still more admirable intention. The 

 leaves are so tender that when the rains fall upon them, they 

 would be pressed down and torn by the thorns under them, had 

 they not this forecast to fold themselves, and lie one upon the 

 other, like tiles on a roof for mutual defence." 



A great number of flowers have the singular property of regu- 

 larly opening and shutting at certain times, as the four-o'clock 

 flower, whose blossoms open at that time every day, to announce 

 the hour of dinner. Linnseus from these conceived his floral 

 clock. Some serve as barometers ; we have read that the pea- 

 sants of Languedoc, in France, train to the sides of their cot- 

 tages, a species of Carlina. When the flowers open it presages 

 a pleasant day ; when they wither, it is a sure sign of approach- 

 ing rain. 



Sweet nurslings of the vernal skies, 



Bathed in soft airs, and fed with dew 

 What more than magic in you lies, 



To fill the heart's fond view. 

 In childhood's sports, companions gay, 

 In sorrow, on life's downward way, 

 How soothing in our last decay, 



Memorials prompt and true. 



Ye dwell beside our paths and homes, 

 Our paths of sin, our homes of sorrow, 



And guilty man where'er he roams 

 Your innocent mirth may borrow. 



The birds of air before us fleet, 



They cannot brook our shame to meet ; 



But we may taste your solace sweet, 

 And come again to-morrow. 



Alas ! of thousand bosoms kind, 



That daily court you and caress, 

 How few the happy secret find 



Of your calm loveliness ! 

 " Live for to-day ! to-morrow's light, 

 To-morrow's cares shall briDg to sight, 

 So sleep like closing flowers at night, 



And Heaven thy morn will bless." 



Kkdlb. 



