STRAWBERRY. 
127 
STRAWBERRY. 
PERFECTION. 
One of the most eminent French authors 
conceived the plan of writing a general history 
of nature, after the model of the ancients and 
of several moderns. A Strawberry plant, which 
by chance grew under his window, deterred him 
from his rash design. He investigated the 
Strawberry, and, in doing so, discovered so 
many wonders, that he felt convinced that the 
study of a single plant, and of its inhabitants, 
was sufficient to occupy a whole life. He there¬ 
fore relinquished his design, gave up the am¬ 
bitious title which he meditated for his work, 
and contented himself with modestly calling it 
“ Studies of Nature.” 
From this book, worthy of Pliny and of 
Plato, may be derived a taste for observation 
and for the higher class of literature; and it is 
there especially that the student will find a com¬ 
plete history of the Strawberry. This humble 
plant delights in the shelter of our woods, and 
covers their borders with that delicious fruit, 
which belongs to any one who pleases to gather 
