AFFODIL. Narcissus Major. Class 6, HEXANDRIA. Order: MONOGYNIA. This is a Spanish plant. It is the largest of the genus, and has splendid flowers. It is generally found double in gardens, rarely single. The Daffodil, says the Flora Historica, was evidently considered a kind of lily by early writers, and we are of opinion that the name is a corruption of Dis's Lily, as it is the flower supposed to be dropped from the chariot of that god, in his flight with Proserpine. CHIVALRY. "Tis much he dares; And to that dauntless temper of his mind, He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour He is a man, setting his fate aside, Of comely virtues : SHAKSPEARE. Nor did he soil the fact with cowardice (An honour in him, which buys out his fault); But, with a noble fury, and fair spirit, And with such sober and unnoted passion SHAKSPEARE. The dearest friend, the kindest man, The best condition'd and unwearied spirit SHAKSPEARE. AHLIA. Dahlia. Class 19, SYNGENESIA. Order: POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Named in honour of Andrew Dahl, a Swedish botanist. A mountain flower of South America, recently become very fashionable among the florists of the United States, who vie with each other in the number and beauty of the different varieties which they cultivate, and which form the chief ornament of all our horticultural exhibitions. FOR EVER THINE. Yes! still I love thee:-Time, who sets His signet on my brow; And dims my sunken eye, forgets The heart he could not bow; Where love, that cannot perish, grows How love may sometimes last; Like sunshine wasting in the skies, The dew-drop hanging o'er the rose, Can never touch a leaf that blows, Like hopeless love without despair,- A moment finely exquisite, DAWES. AISY. Bellis. Class 19, SYNGENESIA. Order: POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Fabulous history informs us that the Daisy owed its origin to Belides, one of the nymphs called Dryads, who were supposed to preside over meadows and pastures. While dancing on the turf with Ephigeus, whose suit she encouraged, she attracted the admiration of Vertumnus, the deity who presided over orchards; and to escape from him, she was transformed into the humble flower, the Latin name of which is Bellis. The ancient English name of this flower was Day's Eye, in which way it is written by Ben Jonson; and Chaucer calls it the "ee of the daie." No doubt it received this designation from its habit of closing its petals at night, which it also does in rainy weather. INNOCENCE. When, smitten by the morning ray, And when, at dark, by dews opprest, WORDSWORTH. Heav'n may awhile correct the virtuous, FOUNTAIN. |