SLOWER GARDENER 
CHAPTER I. 
INTRODUCTION. 
/^g\T has been well remarked that a garden affords the purest of 
human pleasures. The study of Nature is interesting in all 
vS' her manifold combinations: in her wildest attitudes, and in 
her artful graces. The mind is amused 5 charmed, and astonished 
in turn, with contemplating her inexhaustible display; and we wor¬ 
ship the God who created such pure and simple blessings for his 
creatures. These blessings are open to all degrees and conditions 
of men. Nature is not a boon bestowed upon the high-born, or 
purchased by the wealthy at a kingly price. The poor, the blind, 
the halt, and the diseased, enjoy her beauty, and derive benefit 
from her study. Every cottager enjoys the little garden which 
furnishes his table with comforts, and his mind with grateful feel¬ 
ings, if that mind is susceptible of religious impressions. He 
contemplates the gracious Providence which has bestowed such 
means of enjoyment upon him, as the Father whose all-seeing 
eye provides for the lowliest of his children; and who has placed 
the “ purest of human pleasures ” within the reach of all whe are 
not too blind to behold his mercy. With this blessed view before 
his mental sight, the cottager cultivates his little homestead. The 
flowers and fruits of the earth bud, bloom, and decay in their 
season; but Nature again performs her deputed mission, and 
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