Moral from the parable "Consequences": "A child can throw a pebble into the water, but the wisest man cannot say where the waves it sets in motion shall be stilled. It is a light matter to fling off actions and words into the world, but a hard one to know where their influence shall cease to act."

Edward Atkinson in the Introduction states: "Mrs. Zeller has done well to utilize her leisure hours, which are not many, in illustrating so truly and faithfully the flora of her adopted home. Her beautifully executed drawings will confer a boon on those who have never visited the East, by enabling them in some degree to realize the beauties of its bright but fleeting spring; she provides a greater treat for those who, in turning over her pages, recognize the favourites and companions of bygone days."

"Did you ever hear children say, "He is as cross as a bear?" I hope it will never be said of you, for nobody loves a child who is selfish and unkind, or who speaks cross and angry words."

"My chief object and aim in writing this little book has been to induce those who read and love God's written word, to read and love the great unwritten book which he has every where spread abroad for our learning. In doing this we shall follow the steps of our Lord Jesus. How constantly his lessons and parables are quickened and adorned by references not only to the use, but to the beauty, of the vegetable creation . . ."