















178 LIFE. 
This beautiful flower may be said to grow 
in our parterres, like a blooming and lovely 
beauty, who scatters health around her; health, 
that chief of blessings, without which there 
can be neither happiness nor lasting beauty. 
nenannnna 
LIFE. 
LUCERN. 
Lucern occupies the same ground for a 
long period, but when it forsakes it, it is for 
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 husbandman, 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 favoured land direct from 
heaven. We possess it without trouble,— 
enjoy it without reflection,—and without gra- 
titude. We frequently prefer to it a flower 
whose only merit is its transient beauty. So 
do we often leave a certain happiness to pursue 
vaia pleasures which continually elude our grasp. 
