PREFACE. 



xxxi 



I know not wliy the beech delights the glade 

 With boughs extended, and a rounder shade. 

 Whilst towering firs in conic forms arise. 

 And with a pointed spear divide the skies ; 

 Nor why again the changing oak should shed 

 The yearly honour of his stately head ; 

 Whilst the distinguish'd yew is ever seen. 

 Unchanged his branch, and permanent his green. 

 Wanting the sun, why does the caltha fade ? 

 Why does the cypress flourish in the shade ? 

 The fig, and date, w^hy love they to remain 

 In middle station, and an even plain. 

 While in the lower marsh the gourd is found, 

 And while the hill with olive shade is crown'd ? 

 Why does one climate and one soil endue 

 The blushing poppy with a crimson hue^. 

 Yet leave the lily pale, and tinge the violet blue ? 

 Why does the fond carnation love to shoot 

 A various colour from one parent root ; 

 While the fantastic tulip strives to break 

 In twofold beauty and a parted streak ; 

 The twining jasmine, and the blushing rose. 

 With lavish grace their morning scents disclose ; 

 The smelling tuberose and jonquil declare 

 The stronger impulse of an evening air ? 

 Whence has the tree (resolve me), or the flower, 

 A various instinct, or a difi^erent power ? 

 Why should one earth, one clime, one stream, one breath, 

 Raise this to strength, and sicken that to death ? 



Whence dees it happen that the plant which well 

 We name the sensitive, should move and feel ? 

 Whence know her leaves to answer her command. 

 And with quick horror fly the approaching hand ?" 



