THE RUSTY-LEAVED RHODODENDRON. 
119 
The cheering influence of a small moss on the mind of 
Mungo Park, when, a stranger in a strange land, he 
had just been robbed and barbarously treated, is familiar 
to every one; and who would wonder or grieve that 
these beauties of the wilderness should bloom “ where 
few eyes see them,” if but even in an occasional instance 
they have served to soothe and animate the desponding, 
by renewing his impression of the boundless beneficence 
and superintending providence of God ? 
‘ Gem of the Alps ! ’tis strange to trace 
Aught beautiful as thou, 
Gladd’ning “ the solitary place ” 
With unexpected glow. 
Yet, bright one! cold thy bed must be, 
And harsh thy evening lullaby ; 
Would thou wert planted in the bower, 
Which summer weaves for bird and flower ! 
And rocked to slumber by the gale 
She breathes in yonder sunny vale !’ 
