While "A Flash of Lightning," "An
Explosion in a Coal-mine," or "The Eruption of a Volcano," would
bring us into the presence of terrible giants known and dreaded
from time immemorial.
But at least we have passed through the gates, and have learnt
that there is a world of wonder which we may visit if we will;
and that it lies quite close to us, hidden in every dewdrop and
gust of wind, in every brook and valley, in every little plant or
animal. We have only to stretch out our hand and touch them with
the wand of inquiry, and they will answer us and reveal the fairy
forces which guide and govern them; and thus pleasant and happy
thoughts may be conjured up at any time, wherever we find
ourselves, by simply calling upon nature's fairies and asking
them to speak to us. Is it not strange, then, that people should
pass them by so often without a thought, and be content to grow
up ignorant of all the wonderful powers ever active in the world
around them?
Neither is it pleasure alone which we gain by a study of nature.
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