CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. 
278 
denly infest our grain, our fruits, and our plants. 
There is an inquisition, where all human knowledge 
terminates ; the bounds of nature have never been 
defined. 
Without considering the various sources of enjoy- 
ment and pleasure bestowed upon an intelligent crea- 
ture, what a scene of glorious display might be opened 
to man through the agency of the eye alone ! Motives 
we must abandon, as probably they are beyond our com- 
prehensions ; but were the powers of vision so enlarged 
or cleared as to bring to observation the now unknown 
fabrication of animate and inanimate things, what as- 
tonishment would be elicited ! The seeds, the pollen of 
plants, the capillary vessels and channels of their seve- 
ral parts, with their concurrent actions, the clothing of 
various creatures, and all that host of unperceived wis- 
dom around us ! Yet probably the mind, constituted as 
it now is, would be disturbed by the constant excite- 
ment such wonders would create ; but at present, 
though sparingly searched out by the patient investiga- 
tor, and but obscurely seen, they solace and delight ; 
“ cheer, but not inebriate.” 
“ Oh good beyond compare ! 
If thus thy meaner works are fair, 
If thus thy bounties gild the span 
Of ruin’d earth and sinful man, 
How glorious must that mansion be 
Where thy redeem’d shall live with thee !*’ 
And now I think I have pretty well run over my 
diary, the humble record of the birds, the reptiles, the 
plants, and inanimate things around me. They who 
have had the patience to read these my notes, will 
probably be surprised that I could take the trouble to 
register such accounts of such things; and I might 
think so too, did I not know how much occupation and 
healthful recreation the seeking out these trifles have 
afforded me, rendering, besides, all my rural rambles 
full of enjoyment and interest : companions and inti- 
