280 WILD FLOWEBS OF 



well as most abundantly about the ruins on Craig 

 Diganwy, near Conway ; and the narrow-leaved Mus- 

 tard (JDiplotaxis tenuifolia), almost invariably shows 

 itself on the fortifications of other days, as if it poeti- 

 cally clung to the recollections of the past. Those 

 who have seen the walls of Southampton, Tenby, or 

 Chester, must recollect its conspicuous aspect there, 

 and it occurs in great abundance on every old wall at 

 Haverfordwest, even on the fronts of houses, where its 

 growth seems to be encouraged by pieces of wood 

 hammered into holes of the wall. It may have been 

 introduced by the Memings, who colonized this part 

 of South "Wales. I was once detained by continued 

 rain for some hours within the ruins of Oystermouth 

 Castle ; but the time that might otherwise have been 

 tedious, was agreeably beguiled in examining the 

 pretty CocMearia danica, which, in the most luxuriant 

 manner, festooned the walls of the almost sole re- 

 maining perfect apartment, that over the entrance 

 gateway.* 



This incident recalls my recollection to " the Mer- 



* Sir JAMES SMITH, in his Tour on tfie Continent, has well observed 

 that " a plant gathered in a celebrated or delightful spot, is like the hair 

 of a friend, more dear to memory than even a portrait, because it excites 

 the mind without presuming to fill it." On this account I never fail to 

 gather some plant as a memorial of the spot I have visited, recalling as it 

 does treasured ideas in after days; and with almost equal pleasure I 

 receive specimens gathered by dear friends in distant places. 

 " I send the lilies giv'n to me, 



Though long before thy hand they touch 



I know that they must wither'd be, 



But yet reject them not as such ; 



For I have cherish'd them as dear, 



Because they yet may meet thine eye, 



And guide thy soul to mine ev'n here, 



When thou behold'st them drooping nigh ; 



And know'st them gathered by the Rhine, 



And offer'd from my heart to thine." BYRON . 



