172 THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
PERFECT EXCELLENCE. 
STRAWBERRY. 
An illustrious French writer conceived the design of compi¬ 
ling a general history of nature, in imitation of the ancients, 
and of some moderns. A strawberry-plant, which chanced to 
grow by his window, dissuaded him from this design. On mi¬ 
nutely observing it, he discovered so much to learn and to ad¬ 
mire, that he felt convinced that the study of a single plant, 
with its habits, would suffice to employ the life of many learn¬ 
ed men. He therefore abandoned his design, and the ambitious 
title he had selected, and gave to his work the simple title, 
“ Studies from Nature.” In this book, which is worthy of Pliny 
or of Plato, we find the best history of the strawberry. This 
humble plant delights to grow in our woods, and cover their 
borders with delicious fruit, which is the property of any one 
who chooses to gather it. It is a charming gift, that Nature 
has withdrawn from the operation of those laws which render 
property exclusive : and this she is pleased to bestow on all her 
children. 
The flowers of the strawberry form pretty bouquets; but 
what barbarous hands would wish to gather them, and so de¬ 
stroy the promised fruit? Let us hear Wordsworth’s plea for 
the strawberry-blossom. — 
That is a work of waste and ruin — 
Do as Charles and I are doing! 
Strawberry-blossoms, one and all, 
We must spare them—here are many — 
Look at it — the flower is small — 
Small and low, though fair as any; 
Do not touch it! — summers two 
I am older, Anne, than you. 
Pull the primrose, sister Anne, 
Pall as many as you can. 
Here are daisies, take your fill; 
Pansies and the cuckoo-flower; 
