178 
LIFE. 
LUCERN. 
Lucern occupies the same ground .for t 
long period, but when it forsakes it, it is fov 
ever. On this account it has been made the 
emblem of life. Nothing is more charming 
than a field of lucern in full flower. It 
seems spread before our eyes like a carpet 
of green and violet. Cherished by the hus¬ 
bandman, it yields him an abundant crop 
without much care; and, when mowed, it 
springs up again. The cattle rejoice at its 
appearance; it is a favourite plant with the 
sheep, and the goat receives it as a delicacy; 
while the horse also eats it with avidity. 
This precious gift is showered upon our fa¬ 
voured land direct from heaven. We possess 
it without trouble,—enjoy it without reflec¬ 
tion,—and without gratitude. We frequently 
prefer to it a flower whose only merit is its 
transient beauty. So do we often leave a 
certain happiness to pursue vain pleasures 
which continually elude our grasp. 
