SPHODEL. Tofieldia palustris. Class 6, HEXANDRIA. Order: TRIGYNIA. The yellow and white species of this elegant plant are old inhabitants of our gardens, are of very easy culture, and increase rapidly. The latter species covers immense tracts of land in Apulia, and affords very good nourishment to the sheep. It was sacred to Proserpine, and anciently used in funeral ceremonies; and it was believed that beyond the Acheron, the shades of the departed walked in vast meadows of Asphodel, where they drank the waters of oblivion. MY REGRETS FOLLOW YOU TO THE GRAVE. Sometimes my vision pictures thee, as stooping from on high, The light of love ineffable illumining thine eye; Then soaring up, on snowy wings, that brighten as they rise, I hear thy soft voice calling me to meet thee in the skies! I know that this is but a dream; that I can never see Thy spirit, until mine shall wear the garment of the free; But surely heaven the image clothes with something of its light! Yes, mother! in thy holy home, death's gloomy valley past, trod, Shall be exchanged for perfect light-the effluence of GOD! THE KNICKERBOCKER. Dull grave-thou spoil'st the dance of youthful blood, Branding our laughter with the name of madness. BLAIR. URICULA. Primula Auricula. Class 5, PENTANDRIA. Order: MONOGYNIA. As all the most beautiful flowers that were known to the ancients, had been placed in the hieroglyphical language of plants, we had some difficulty in making a selection worthy of representing the delightful art of painting. But our choice has at length fallen on the " queen of the snowy Alps," as the fittest emblem. PAINTING. O thou who seated by the golden wave Could'st thou have travell'd to our western sky, When Autumn chills the foliage, and sheds Thou would'st have shown that there are other climes Feel the deep influence of bland nature's hush, DAWES. ZALEA, INDIAN. Azalea Indica. Class PENT-DECANDRIA. Order: MONOGYNIA. A very splendid species of Azalea, with large and rich scarlet flowers, chosen, on account of the gorgeous splendour of its flowers, as the suitable emblem of Romance. ROMANCE. The pipe, and song, with many a mingled shout, Upon a lonely rock is seen! Full is the eye that speaks the dauntless soul; She seems to hear the gathering tempest roll Breasting the whirlwind, through the dark-red sky! Or, with elated look, lifts high the spear, As sounds of distant battles roll more near. BOWLES. ALM. Melissa. Class 14, DIDYNAMIA. Order: GYMNOSPERMIA. The scientific name of this plant is Melissa, which is synonymous with the Greek word for bee, being derived from μe, honey, which is sought for in these flowers with avidity. "The recent plant has the agreeable odour of lemons. "It was formerly prized as a corroborant in hypochondriacal and nervous affections." It is on account of the soothing qualities of the waters distilled from this plant that it has been made the emblem of sympathy. SYMPATHY. Is there who mocks at sacred Sympathy, For love is a celestial harmony SPENSER. ALSAM. DRIA. Impatiens. Class 5, PENTANOrder: MONOGYNIA. This plant, which is one of the most beautiful and delicate of popular annuals, is a native of East India, and forms a showy cone of carnationlike flowers finely variegated. It possesses the peculiar property of retaining, during the hottest months of summer, all its freshness and beauty, while many other plants are withered before they have flowered. It has been named Nolitangere and Impatiens, from the curious fact that when the seeds are ripe, they are thrown with considerable force out of the capsules on their being slightly touched; on this account it has been made the emblem of impatience. The Turks use it to represent ardent love. IMPATIENCE. Oh! for thy wings, thou dove! Now sailing by with sunshine on thy breast; I too might flee away, and be at rest! Oh! to some cool recess Take, take me with thee on the summer wind! Leaving the weariness, And all the fever of this life behind. The aching and the void Within the heart whereunto none reply, The early hopes destroyed Bird bear me with thee thro' the sunny sky. HEMANS. Send quick, and summon in the council To see the crown imposed! Bianca dies! My throne hangs on your speed! Fly! N. P. WILLIS. |