KALMIA ANGUSTIFOLIA; 



OR, 



NARROW-LEAVED KALMIA. 



This beautiful shrub was introduced into our gardens from North America by Peter Collinson, 

 Esq. in 1736. It grows to two feet in height, and sends out several upright branches, which 

 are beset with flowers Uke a cluster of bees. Each flower is rotate, and possesses a pistillum in 

 the centre, surrounded by ten males, or stamina. The filaments are like the radii of a wheel, 

 and the anthers are each inclosed in niches of the corolla. As these filaments increase they 

 form a bow, and when the elasticity is superior to the resistance of the niches enclosing the 

 anthers, each in turn springs forth, ejaculating the pollen over the pistillum in the centre. The 

 contrivance of nature, in this instance, to continue on the species is worthy our thought and 

 admiration. It comes under Class Decandria, ten male. Order Monogynia, one female, 

 of LiNN^us. We have been so fortunate as to be favoured by the following beautiful lines on 

 this plant, which aflbrded to the poet an opportunity of a very grand comparison. 



High rise the cloud-capp'd hills where Kalmia glows 

 With da%%ling beauty, 'mid a waste of mows, 

 O'er the wild scene she casts a smiling eyC; 

 The earth her bed, the skies her canopy. — 

 Thus from the north, in undulating streams. 



Glance after glance, the polar radiance gleams, 



Or, in expanding glare, at noon of night. 



Fills the red zenith with unbounded light. 



Quick fly the timid herds in wild amaze, 



While arms unseen clash dreadful 'mid the blaze. 



Th' affrighted shepherd to his cot redres, 



Nor dares to gaze upon the quiv'ring fires: 



The crouching dogs their master's feet surround. 



And, fix'd by fear, lie torpid on the ground: 



Loud shrieks the screaming owl, and flits away, 



Scar'd by the lustre of unlook'd-for day : 



E'en the grim wolf his nightly prey forsakes, 



And silent in his gloomy cavern quakes. 



Till skies serene their starry groupes display, ^ 



And each terrific phantom dies away. 



Shaw. 



