Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/455

Rh attaches me to him. This acute-minded observer sees clearly that which is still wanting in general. He has mentioned with great pleasure to me a work just published, entitled “Rural Hours,” by Miss Cooper, the daughter of the novelist; a diary, in which she simply and faithfully chronicled, during a quiet residence in the country, all that occurred in the life of nature around her, so that the whole progress of the year is displayed; the grasses, the birds, the flowers, come out and disappear, and beautiful drawings of the latter adorn the work.

Downing has spoken in high commendation of this work in his own journal, “The Horticulturist,” both on account of its scientific worth, and for the example which it gives to the female mind, directing its attention to the daily marvels of nature, and to that which is great even in the quiet every-day life of the country.

“Flowers, insects, and the biographies of birds, ought especially to be sketched and studied by female students of Natural History.” Downing is a great admirer of the peculiar gifts and powers of woman. “Woman must be our social regenerator,” is an expression frequently in his mouth. Of course he is also a great favourite with women of refinement, and has many friends among them.

Oh! that it is necessary to part from this friend; one of the best, and the most suitable for my character and turn of mind which can be imagined, or rather, which the goodness of God has given me.

&emsp; Yet a few more words, but merely a few, for I am overwhelmed by letters and objects which demand my attention and besides that I am suffering from headache caused by over-excitement of mind and body.

Before I left the Downings we spent one day together,