mamma, "I think you must be able to tell me the names of these annuals, which you have seen so often at home."

They pointed out the African groundsel, the convolvolus, and many others. But what pleased them most was a walk from the flower-garden to a summerhouse, on each side of which was a hedge of dahlias, of every colour and shade

full bloom. Mrs. Vernon observed, that the flower of this plant is three times as large in America; (its native country;) that the roots are tuberous, like potatoes; and in that country are sometimes used as food, but are not considered nutritious. The alcove in which they now stood, was entirely composed of ferns; (having been made of a stack of those plants, which, when perfectly solid, was scooped out, and formed the walls and roof;) a table was fixed in the middle, and a rustic bench surrounded it. On the outside, the alcove was nearly concealed by a clump of tall trees, which so excluded the beams of the sun, that, on a hot summer day, this shady bower was a welcome restingplace to those who strolled in the plantations.

From this place our

party

The Itadsomed to again yo

The much-wished-for morning arrived, the sun shone in all its lustre; the air was calm, but still there was sufficient to make an excursion on the water agreeable. The children were ready before the rest of the party, and took their station at a window in the hall, till the car

riage drove up, to take the ladies down to the beach, accompanied by the gentlemen on horseback. They soon alighted on the sands, where they beheld a pleasure-boat, into which the children were carried by the sailors: soon the waves bore them from the shore, and the land receded from their view. Agnes remained beside her mamma and aunt; but Frank entered into conversation with the sailors, who were very intelligent, and gave him much information about the use of the oars; but a breeze springing up, they laid them aside, and unfurled a sail, when the boat cut through the waves more rapidly, and astonished our young sailors by the quickness of its motion.

A great number of sea-gulls and coots alighted on the surface of the water, and rode upon the waves, to the great delight