HEARTLESS BEAUTY. DAHLIA. THE gorgeous flowers of the dahlia allure only to disappoint us, for they are without fragrance. The light, the grace, the brilliant bloom, And just as little joy impart. HOPE. F. S. O. HAWTHORN. Now hawthorns blossom, now the daisies spring. POPE THE hawthorn has been made the emblem of hope, because the young and beautiful Athenian maids brought its branches, covered with flowers, to decorate their companions on their nuptial day, while they bare larger boughs of it to the altar. The altar of Hymen was lighted by torches made from the wood of this tree; and it also formed the flambeaux which illuminated the nuptial chamber. We are told that the Troglodytes in the simplicity of their minds, tied hawthorn branches to the dead bodies of their parents and friends; and at the interment of the corpse they strewed its branches upon the body, and afterward covered it with stones, laughing through the whole of the ceremony. They considered death as the dawning of a life which should never cease. Gives not the hawthorn-bush a sweeter shade Fair Hope, with light and buoyant form, F. S. O. HYPOCRISY. EBONY. PLUTO, god of the infernal regions, was seated upon a throne of ebony. We say of one notoriously wicked, that "he has a heart as black as ebony." This proverb originated in the circumstance of the aubier of the ebony-tree being white, its foliage soft and silvery, its flowers brilliant and beautiful, while the heart only of the tree is black. Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks Invisible, except to God alone, By his permissive will through heaven and earth. MILTON. Her brow is white as stainless snow, HOW CAME YOU HERE? F. S. O. WALKING LEAF. THIS is a curious fern, striking root at the extremity of the frond or leaf, from which root new plants arise. It is found in rocky woods. You know mamma, can't bear you, love, You know your fortune's gone, my own! What could have sent you here? Perhaps you do not know, my sweet- I vow I'm quite afraid to stir, Lest you are in the way or near! I needs must say I wish you, sir! F. S. O. I ATTACH MYSELF TO YOU. SCARLET IPOMOEA, OR INDIAN JASMINE. THIS beautiful twining plant is a species of blindweed, or something analogous; like the convolvolus, it requires something to support its light tendrils; and, without fatiguing that support, wreaths it with verdure and flowers. To cheer thy sickness, watch thy health- BYRON. Jasmine, some like silver spray, INDIAN BRIDE. K I DIE IF NEGLECTED. LAURUSTINUS. THIS is one of the prettiest of evergreen shrubs, and is the gift of Spain to our highly-favoured land. In winter it is the ornament of our groves, displaying its shining leaves and snowy white flowers when other trees have ceased to bloom. Neither the hot breath of summer nor the cold kiss of winter can rob it of its charms; but to preserve it we must tend it with assiduous care. The symbol of a kind and delicate friendship, it ever seeks to please, yet dies if neglected. While you cherish me, dearest, "through good and through ill," Life's summer I'll bless, and its winter defy! 'Mid sunshine and tempest, I'll smile on thee still; But oh! if you ever neglect me, I die! While you watch o'er Love's glowing but delicate flowers, F. S. O. |