mense coal-fields, that extend through the earth for hundreds, nay, thousands of miles;—and consider if here are not manifested, with proof irresistible, the marks of Divine wisdom and goodness. But this most useful mineral is not the sole treasure that has been stored up in the earth for our benefit. There are the mines of iron and other common metals, everywhere existing in abundance, so necessary for the daily purposes of life that they may with the greater justice be termed the '* precious metals." But, as if to add beauty to utility, and thus complete the circle of enjoyment, the glittering silver and the yellow gold have been placed there, too; and with them, have been set the ruby, the emerald, the sparkling diamond, the agate and the amethyst, and the whole coronet of brilliants, as if to crown finished Nature as a Queen, and to set forth in resplendent forms the might and benignity of her Creator.
But while such treasures are thus stored up in the earth's bosom, how beautiful, at the same time, the garment in which she is outwardly arrayed,—her "robe of living green," decked with flowers, and tasselled with golden fruits. Botany here takes us by the hand, and leads us through a wide field of beauty, where colors in all richness and variety, and forms in every mode of elegance meet the eye; while all delicious fragrances are poured forth to charm the scent, and sweetest juices offer themselves to the taste. From the humble daisy to the splendid dahlia, from the modest lily of our own fields to the curious and gorgeous fiowers of the tropics,—we may range through unending varieties of shape, scent, and colour, till we wonder at the exhaustless riches of nature, and begin to perceive and to feel that,
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