THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 179 
same dull earth gives root-hold to all, and the 
same air bathes leaf and blossom. From what 
wonderful alembic is all this magnificence of 
coloring drawn ? and by what marvellous path¬ 
ways do these brilliant and strongly-contrasted 
dyes creep through these earth-soiled roots and 
brown stems to dazzle and blaze so wonder- 
ously? It is as though the Great Artist of 
Nature had buried a rainbow at the foot of 
each shrub and plant, and bid it crown with a 
halo of blossoms the plant which should grow 
above its earthly hiding; and each one spring¬ 
ing thence seems to strive for the mastery in 
the distribution and arrangement of its treasury 
of colors. How gloriously the contest has been 
carried on! and still the prize awaits a victor. 
“ Is there any wonder surpassing the gran¬ 
deur of a rich garden ? or beauty that can out¬ 
rival the splendors that dazzle and daze when 
perfection of growth has put the crown of 
floral glory on its beds and borders ? 
Standing thus near the borders of Paradise 
regained, greeted by its fragrance and feasting 
upon its heaven-born arrayal, shall we begin to 
botanize, to distil stalk and flower, extract juice 
and aroma, to medicate the body and titillate 
