102 Strabtfrrj. 
Strawberry.. ..Perfection. 
An eminent French author conceived the plan of 
"writing a general history of nature, after the model of 
the ancients. A Strawberry plant, "which, perchan(!e, 
grew under his window, deterred him from this bold 
design. He examined the Strawberry, and, in so doing, 
discovered so many wonders, that he felt convinced 
the study of a single plant was sufficient to occupy a 
whole lifetime. He therefore gave up the pompous 
title which he had meditated for his work, and con- 
tented himself with calling it "Studies of Nature." 
The flowers of the Strawberry form pretty bouquets ; 
but, as the delicious fruit is preferred to the flower, 
they are seldom plucked for that purpose. Among 
the glaciers of the Alps, the plants and flowers of the 
Strawberry are found in all seasons of the year. The 
plant seems to possess all the merits of plants, in their 
greatest perfection. The berries are the favourite ac- 
companiment of the lordly feast and the most exquisite 
luxury of the rural repast. They vie in freshness and 
perfume with the buds of the sweetest flowers ; delight- 
ing the eye, the taste, and smell, at the same time. 
Let other bards of angels sing, 
Bright suns without a spot ; 
But thou art no such perfect thing : 
Rejoice that thou art not! 
Wbrdsworffi. 
