26 FLORA'S LEXICON. 



PPLE BLOSSOM. Pyrus. Class 12, Pen- 

 tagynia. Order: Icosandria. What is 

 more enchanting to the lover of nature than 

 the apple-tree when clad with it? beautiful 

 bloom in the early spring? and the more, 

 that they hold forth the promise of an abun- 

 dance of delicious fruit. The apple bloom 



is indeed a charming flower, and by some is preferred before the 



rose. 



PREFERENCE. 



The lasses aw wonder'd what Willy could see, 



In yen that was dark and hard-featur'd like me; 



And they wonder'd ay mair when they talk'd o' my wit, 



And slily telt Willy, that could'nt be it : 



But Willy he laugh'd, and he made me his wife, 



And whea was mair happy thro' aw his lang life 1 ? 



Its e'en my great comfort, now Willy is geane, 



That he often said, nea pleace was like his awn heame. 



I mind when I carried my wark to yon stile, 

 Where Willy was dyking, the time to beguile, 

 He would fling me a daisy to put i' my breast, 

 And I hammer'd my noddle to make out a jest: 

 But merry or grave, Willy often would tell, . 

 There was nin o' the lave that was like my awn sel; 

 And he spake what he thought, for I'd hardly a plack 

 When we married, and nobbet ae gown to my back. 



When the clock had struck eight, I expected him heame, 

 And wheyles went to meet him as far as Dumleane ; 

 Of aw hours it telt, eight was dearest to me, 

 But now when it strikes, there's a tear i' my e'e. 

 O Willy ! dear Willy ! it never can be, 

 That age, time, or death, can divide thee and me ; 

 For that spot on the earth, that's aye dearest to me, 

 Is the turf that, has cover'd my Willy frae me. 



Gilpin. 



