It grows wild on the coast of Persia, and is common in China. The celebrated specimen in Pope's garden at Twickenham, is said to have been the first introduced into England; but this we believe to be erroneous. The poet chanced to be present

on the opening of a package which came from Spain, and observing that the sticks had some vegetation, fancied they might produce something which we did not possess in England. With this idea he planted a cutting, from which sprang the parent-tree of many of our finest and most admired specimens.

How vain the task to wake my lyre
To rapture's thrill, with passion's fire,
While sorrow o'er my heart-strings plays,
With trembling touch, her saddest lays!

F. S. O.

MELANCHOLY SPIRIT.

་

SORROWFUL GERANIUM.

Few know that elegance of soul refined,
Whose soft sensation feels a quicker joy
From melancholy's scenes, than the dull pride
Of tasteless splendour and magnificence
Can e'er afford.

WARTON

THIS charming geranium, like a melancholy spirit, shuns the light of day; but it enchants those who cultivate it by the delightful perfumes it exhales.

Oh! there's melody rich in that mournful tone,
Though with wo so heavily laden;

And I'd rather be sad with thee, my own,
Than gay with a happier maiden!

F. S. O.

MESSAGE.

IRIS.

Every varying hue

Of every beautiful thing on earth-the teints
Of heaven's own Iris-all are in the west

On this delicious eve.

CARRINGTON.

THIS plant is supposed to have been named after Juno's attendant, because its colours are similar to those bestowed on the messenger of that goddess, by poets and mythological writers.

The various Iris, Juno sends with haste.

OVID.

Iris is usually portrayed as descending from a rainbow; and the eye of heaven (Plutarch says that is the meaning of the word Iris) is not more variegated than the flower that has been honoured by her name.

Perchance the gods, like us, conversed with flowers,
And Iris, their sweet messenger, did borrow
From the rich wreaths she bore in those bright hours,
Her wings' still varying hues of joy and sorrow:-
Oh! were she now on earth-how fit to bear

To thee, my goddess, all my love and care!

F. S. O.