FLORA'S LEXICON. 81 



VERGREEN THORN. Mespilus Pyra- 

 cantha. Class 12, Icosandria. Order : 

 Digynia. This well-known shrub is a na- 

 tive of the south of Europe : it also grows 

 plentifully on Mount Caucasus, in the Cher- 

 sonesus, and in China. It was introduced 

 into England early in the seventeenth cen- 

 tury, but has never yet got beyond the pale of the garden or 

 shrubbery, notwithstanding Evelyn's hint that it might be culti- 

 vated, with little trouble, for fences and other common purposes. 



SOLACE IN ADVERSITY. 



Thou wast not born when merry May 

 " Hangs out the virgin flag of spring," 

 When birds from every bush and spray 

 Are carolling. 



Thou wast not born when summer throws 

 Her glory over sky and earth, 

 Nor did the beam which wakes the rose 

 Smile on thy birth. 



No; like this shrub which cheers the bower, 

 What time the threatening storm is rife, 

 A blessing for the wintry hour 



Thou sprang to life. 



And such art still — no summer friend, 

 Breathing smooth things in Pleasure's ear; 

 But, oh ! let grief the spirit rend, 



And thou art near. 



What could I less than love the hour 

 Which stills the bird, and strips the lea, 

 Since, oh ! to cheer the social bower, 

 It gave us thee. 



Axon. 



