RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, 



OR, 



PONTIC RHODODENDRON. 



In the dreary season of winter, nature has partially indulged the eye with ever-greens, the 

 presage of the resurrection of animated beings, and of the returning zephyr; and none of this 

 class claims our attention, for the beauty of its flowers, and wisdom of its contrivance, more 

 than the Pontic Rhododendron, which was introduced into our gardens from the Levant 

 in 1763. The flower \^ funnel-shaped beneath, and then expands into the resemblance of ^y^ 

 Petals, which, in fact, are only five LacinicE, or Segments, of a monopetalous Corolla. The upper 

 Segment performs the oflfice of Nectary, is grooved in the middle, and so fertile is this part in 

 the formation of honey, that you may observe a sweet globule in almost every expanded 

 flower. From the cup of the corolla issue ten Stamina, the Filaments of each are beset with 

 fine hairs, and are curvilinear, in order better to perform the useful oflfice of dispersing the 

 Farina on the Pistillum, which is contained in two Cells, each of which open at tops. The 

 Pistillum takes the same elegant curve as the Stamina: but when impregnation has been 

 accomplished, what appeared before a cluster of flowers, the stamina and corollas having withered, 

 now is seen entirely to consist of pistilla, each one displaying its pentagonal germen, the style, 

 and stigma, and assuming its distinguished rank; and Nature now delights us with the art shewn 

 in adjusting their respective places around the stem. Nor was the kind intention of Provident 

 Nature less conspicuous in the infant state of the flower, when each bud was protected by 

 a corresponding Stipule, which, as it ceased its utility, fell from off" the stem, gradually unfolding 

 to the admiring eye of the spectator, a superb group of purple crowning flowers, which, as 

 being hardy natives of wild situations, cast an air of dignity over such solitary scenes. 



O'er pine-clad hills, and dusky plains, 



In silent state Rhodonia reigns, 



And spreads, in beauty's softest bloom, 



Her purple glories through the gloom. 



» 



There, by the solemn scene enchanted. 



The melancholy maiden strays; 

 And by dark streams and fountains haunted, 



Well pleas'd each rocky wild surveys : 

 To her more fair those shadowy bowers 

 Than glittering halls and castled tow'rs. 



Nor, happy less, who thus unknown. 

 Can call the Avoods and shades his own ! 

 And, wand'ring o'er the moss-clad plain, 

 At will indulge the pensive strain! 

 Array'd in smiles, array'd in terrors. 



Great Nature's awful form admire. 

 And from the world, and all its errors, 



In silent dignity retire! 



Shaw. 



b 



