I lingered long, then turned away, And slowly homeward went, That lovely maiden’s image fair With all my fancies blent. For weeks my dreams were full of her, And then I went again To seek the cottage where she dwelt, But sought for her in vain. The old, plain cottage mid the elms, Stood where it stood before, The rustic lad was there, and sat Asleep within the door; The kid beside its stately dam In the warm sunshine lay: But the maiden and the child were gone! I slowly turned away. Since then, of rustic loveliness, Till city belles have curled Their lips of beauty, I have talked, And challenged half the world To show in silks, and lawns, and gems, A maiden half so fair As she whose bright young cheek was fanned By purest summer air. THE SEQUEL. Last week, of fair young city belles I met a brilliant throng, Where jewels gleamed, and bright eyes flashed ’Mid laughter dance and song. One in the crowd, for loveliness, Was peerless ’mong the fair— Gems glittered in her rich attire, And glittered in her hair. I saw her—started—looked again— Yes, ’twas my rustic maid. How sweet her face! how bright her smile! Even thus in gems arrayed. But something from her lip, and eye, And cheek, and brow was gone:— The rustic maid, in native grace, The city belle outshone. A. * * * * * FLOWERS. Golden treasures; fairy flowers— Spreading all earth’s sunny bowers. Bright and fleeting as youth’s day: Smiling sunny hours away. Thou dost heighten beauty’s glow; Youth’s companions, too, art thou, Gladd’ning youth and beauty now, Soon thou’rt decking death’s pale brow. Idol treasures! fairy flowers— Brightly decking Flora’s bowers! S. E. T. * * * * * GAME-BIRDS OF AMERICA.—NO. VII. [Illustration] GOOSANDER. (_Mergus Merganser._ Linnæus.) It may be considered doubtful whether the bird now before us can fairly be included in a list of the birds acknowledged as _game_ by the American sportsman. Their food, consisting entirely of fish, causes their flesh to be, in our estimation unfit for food; yet there are not wanting some, who pretend to consider them capital meat, and others who pursue them as game, from a love of sport and a desire to acquaint themselves with its natural history. On this ground, therefore, we have admitted his name into our catalogue, and placed his portrait in our gallery.