SWEET, OR MILD DISPOSITION.

MALLOW. Malva.

64

Exoneraturas ventram mihi villica Malvas

Astulit, et varias, quas habet hortus, opes."

Martial. Lib. 10.

The mild and healing properties of this plant have caused it to be made the symbol of this amiable quality.

66

Nothing reserv'd or sullen was to see,

But sweet regards, and pleasing sanctity;
Mild was his accent, and his actions free."

Dryden.

TALENT.

WHITE PINK.-Dianthus.

Sweet flower, beneath thy natal sky
No fav'ring smiles thy scents invite;

To Britain's worthier regions fly,

And paint her meadows with delight."

Shaw.

This flower, so richly gifted with odour, is emblematical of those persons who benefit society by their talents.

"Each pink sends forth its choicest sweet

Aurora's warm embrace to meet."

Mrs. M. Robinson.

TARDINESS.

FLAX-LEAVED GOLDY-LOCKS.-Chrysocoma Linosyris.

66

Cry mercy, lords, and watchful gentlemen,
That you have ta'en a tardy sluggard here."

Shakspeare.

This British plant, whose blossoms sleep until other flowers have sported their day, is more conspicuous through its tardiness than its beauty, like those who reserve their revels until the time of rest, as if aware that their attractions would be overlooked if associated with the multitude.

TASTE.

SCARLET FUCHSIA.-Fuchsia Corcinea.

66

Elegant, with ease."

We place the fuchsia in the floral emblems as the symbol of taste; for, with its richlycoloured blossoms, there is a peculiar harmony and beauty in the unassuming appearance of the flowers, which hang with so much gracefulness amongst the foliage.

TEARS.

HELENIUM.-Helenium.

66

Sweet drop of pure and pearly light!
In thee the rays of virtue shine;
More calmly clear, more mildly bright,
Than any gem that gilds the mine.

Benign restorer of the soul!

Who ever fly'st to bring relief,
When first she feels the rude control

Of Love or Pity, Joy or Grief."

Rogers.

This plant is named after the fair daughter of Leda, whose beauty caused the Trojan war, and from whose tears it is said to have sprung, which gave rise to the emblem.