16 
THE BEAUTY OF FLOWERS IN FIELD AND WOOD. 
“ There is not a plant hut on minute investigation Trill reveal some peculiar heauty, or some exquisite 
adaptation, to reward the attention bestowed. What we despise as weeds, and condemn as inconspicuous, are 
only so in relation to our superficial view. 
“ For a garden, we select such plants as are suitable, on account of the size and brilliancy of their flowers, or 
of the unusual elegance of their foliage. But in a landscape, individual heauty is subservient to general effect. 
Even a mass of hemlocks or nettles is not without its relative heauty. The garden is cultivated for the sake of 
some favourite flowers, often unjustly, to the disadvantage of many that cannot he confined within artificial 
boundaries. For a landscape, foliage is the principal requisite, and thus every so-called weed has its appointed 
service.Some flowers are common to both garden and country. Violets, Primroses, Snowdrops, 
Lilies of the Valley, &c., are as sweet in their wild haunts as in the protected enclosure. Many not found in the 
garden are splendid in their wild independence, such as the Mullein, Fox-glove, Viper’s-bugloss, Speedwell, and 
the curious tribes of Orchis. Daisies, Buttercups, Anemones, Cowslips, Harebells, Vetches, <fcc., are more welcome 
in their wild habitats. 
“Varied heauty is thus spread over the surface of the habitable globe, and cannot fail to delight every mind 
that is not blighted by the wretched conventionalities of the world, benumbed by cold utilitarianism, or besotted 
by selfishness. 
“ ‘ Nature never did betray 
Tbe heart that loved her ; ’tis her privilege, 
Through all the years of this our life, to lead 
From joy to joy; for she can so inform 
The mind that is within us, so impress 
With quietness and beauty, and so feed 
With lofty thoughts, that neither evil tongues, 
Rash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish men 
Shall e’er prevail against us, or disturb 
Our cheerful faith, that all which we behold 
Is full of blessing.’ ” —Wordsworth. 
The sketches of the families, and of the most noticeable plants in each, are, of course, very general 
and brief; hut they are, as we have already remarked, in most cases, sufficiently clear for the end in 
view; and, with ordinary attention and tact, the commoner species of our wild plants might be recog¬ 
nized. The volume is not, however, intended to supersede the “ Manuals ” and “ Floras ” in which our 
wild flowers are described with more completeness and precision, hut rather to excite a hungering for this 
branch of knowledge, and to supply the first cravings of the awakened appetite, as well as to give it a 
healthful tone and hearing. Hence we find moralizing reflections, in true harmony with the beauty of 
flowers, largely scattered among the more scientific details of the volume. Take, as an example, the 
remarks on the Honeysuckle :— 
“ The most interesting plant of this family [Caprifoliaceee, or the Honeysuckle family] is certainly the Honey¬ 
suckle, associated with many others that cluster around the familiar and endeared scene of home and rural life. 
It often becomes associated with the Ivy, with which it has some natural affinity in structure.The 
Honeysuckle, however, has more affinity with the living present, and its fragrance and beauty seem appropriate 
to the happy home it adorns. The Ivy is often a memorial of the past, and clings to the ruined habitation and 
neglected wall as if unwilling to part with the remembrance of ties and endearments that have long ceased, and 
solemnly reminds us of the transientness of earthly bliss, which even the tender herb may survive. Another 
lesson suggested by the Honeysuckle is thus beautifully expressed :— 
“ ‘ Would’st tbou soar, but strength bast none ? 
Clings to earth thy grovelling heart ? 
Seek, like yonder fragile flower, 
Fitting prop round which to twine : 
There’s an arm of love and power, 
Lean on it, and heaven is thine.’ ” 
The volume is very elegantly printed, and is nicely illustrated by ten coloured plates, the execution 
of which, however, might he improved with advantage. It would form a very pretty and appropriate 
gift for youth.—M. 
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