stages of development, bud,
blossom, flower. Grapes, too, that would have moved the jolly god to
press them within his ruddy lips, peaches, nectarines, currants,
strawberries, and crowning pine apples, in one rare trophy, worthy
the study of a Lance. Our feelings at the moment recalled vividly an
amusing anecdote of Swift. The facetious Dean with several friends
was invited to walk the rounds and admire the fruit in the garden of
an old acquaintance, who pointed out all the beauties of his
orchard, without, however, asking the company to partake of any of
the tempting display. This was too much for Swift, who having a
happy art of inventing rhymes to suit his purposes, applied it in
the following manner on the occasion; "I remember," said he,
stopping under a very heavy laden bough, "that my dear old
grandmother had a saying which ran thus--

"Always pluck a peach
When within your reach."

Suiting the action to the word, he quickly put forth his hand and
took and ate--an example which was not lost on those who accompanied
him. Now we candidly confess that we were in an unguarded moment
tempted to essay a similar onslaught on Mrs. Peachey's fruits, but,
fortunately for all future visitors, were withheld by the
magnificent glass shades which protect these triumphs of art. And
are these the works that have been--that are refused a fitting place
in that great field of universal rivalry, the Crystal Palace! What!
can it be possible? Here are works of our own nation not
there--excluded! Surely, for the credit of the artiste, and for its
own honorable name, the Executive Committee should enquire into the
matter, and if there be any unworthy motive for this, to us,
incomprehensible exclusion of native art, let such be at once and
for ever dissipated by the breath of public opinion. There is still
ample space for them in the great building; and we hope yet to see
them there in their proper place. Mrs. Peachey has spared neither
labor nor expense to render her works worthy of her reputation, and
the continuance of that exalted patronage which she has long enjoyed
in Her Gracious Majesty the Queen, and the highest among the
aristocracy, and of the honor of her country. We were glad to
perceive, on our visit, that although excluded from their place
among the nations, these exq