Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/316

314 "that there are any so thoughtless as to explore the country, without, at the same time, exploring or discerning the wonders of nature. Creation, at every step we tread, seems ever varied and new; the grass which springs up under our feet, flowers mingling their infinite diversity of tints, the dewdrops which refresh them and sparkle amongst them like diamonds, the reviving perfumes we breathe, the millions on millions of trees, shrubs, and flowers,—and none of these, not even a blade of grass, or herb, or leaf, atoms as they appear, could be useful, or please, unless created by Infinite Wisdom, from whom they receive form, verdure, and life."

Rosilia paused; and charmed as was the attention of Sir Howard, he preserved silence, hoping she would be led to renew her remarks; but not doing so, he continued the subject: "How gratified," said he, "will be the owners of these lands that lie before us, when the fruits of their toils ripen, and when their senses are not only regaled, but with glad hands they reap their treasures!"

"The branches of their luxuriant orchards are laden with buds and blossoms," added Rosilia, "and it will not be many months before these will expand into fruit. A tree thus adorned, I have been instructed, has been not unaptly compared