But to return to our homely subject. 
The way-faring tree is partly indebted to its name 
for popularity; not but that its pretty fragrant flowers 
might justly entitle it to regard; but many a flowering 
shrub as pretty and as fragrant we pass without notice, 
whilst this always obtains a share of observation. 
Who gave it this appellation, and wherefore, is left 
to poetical conjecture; but whatever may have suggested 
the trivial names of this, and other plants, we are in¬ 
debted to them for many a pleasant and it may be im¬ 
proving reflection. They supply a text on which the mind 
delights to make its own comments; and there is scarcely 
an affection or feeling of which the heart is conscious, that 
may not be in some degree called into exercise by an 
acquaintance with the habits, properties, and names of 
the various productions of the vegetable kingdom. 
Hail! sportive Fancy, visionary Power, 
Oh ! soothly tell me in what favour’d hour 
Thou first didst visit earth ? 
Didst thou descend upon the earliest ra 
Whose magic chased chaotic gloom away, 
And smiled on Nature’s birth? 
