198 



THE HAWTHORN. 



sioii of house-tops and chimneys, how refreshing 

 is it to turn our eyes to the green symbol of 

 spring, which tells us that Nature, in her own 

 lovely domain, is quietly preparing her robe of 

 summer beauty ! In the balmy month of May, 

 the Hawthorn has no rival. It may then be 

 said to live in an atmosphere of its own fragrance, ' 

 the whole country being filled with its delicious - 

 odour. It has never been my lot to scent the 

 aromatic breezes which are said to float thi'ough 

 the air for a distance of many miles from the 

 shores of Ceylon; but I can scarcely think thatr 

 they are more grateful in themselves, or con- 

 nected with more delightful associations, than 

 the Hawthorn perfume of an English spring, or, 

 I may add, the summer perfume of an English 

 hay -field. And as to its wreaths of snowy blos-[' 

 soms, I know nothing more beautiful — some ^\ith * 

 their blossoms fully expanded, dotted with their ! 

 delicate pink stamens — others, as yet unfolded J' 

 resembling little globes of silver set in pedestals 

 of emerald. India may boast of more gorgeous 

 flowers, but surely of nothing more elegant and 

 graceful. 



" When first the tender blades of grass appear, 

 And buds, that yet the blast of Eurus fear, 



Stand at the door of life, and doubt to clothe the year, * 

 Till gentle heat, and soft repeated rains. 

 Make the green blood to dance within their veins : 

 Then, at their call, emboldened out they come. 

 And swell the gems, and burst their narrow room ; 

 Broader and broader yet, their leaves displa}", r 

 Salute the welcome sun, and entertain the day. 

 Then from their breathing souls the sweets repair 

 To scent the skies, and purge th' unwholesome air : 

 Joy spreads the heart, and, with a general song. 

 Spring issues out, and leads the jolly months along." 



Dryden. 



