Page:Natural Phenomena and their Spiritual Lessons.djvu/39



of our poets incidentally remarks,—

an assertion which observation soon verifies. Wherever there is waste, uncultivated ground, though but the narrowest strip or ledge of unproductive soil, a fertile growth of briars, nettles, and thistles,—of thorny, prickly, or stinging plants, speedily appears; and, if not held in check, so rapidly increases as soon to overpower the harmless and lovely wild flowers that have arisen beside them. But, however abundant this noxious form of vegetation may be, how small a portion of the earth does it occupy in comparison with the undulating downs, the spacious meadow-lands and broad pastures, the commons, parks, and lawns that are overspread with rich carpetings of soft 27