130 



FLORA'S LEXICON, 



OCUST. Robinia pseudacacia. Class 17, 

 Diadelphia. Order: Decandria. The 



Locust is found native in the valleys of the 

 Alleghanies, and throughout the Western 

 States, but everywhere mixed with the 

 other trees, not occupying exclusively the 

 soil, even of limited districts. It is now 

 planted about houses in all parts of the Union, as it has a rapid 

 growth, but unfortunately it is very generally liable to injury 

 from the attacks of an insect (Callidium flexuosum). The wood 

 is superior to that of most trees of northern climates. It is much 

 sought for in naval architecture, and is substituted for box by 

 turners : for trunnels it is used almost exclusively. 



VICISSITUDE. 



The flower that smiles to-day 



To-morrow dies ; 

 All that we wish to stay, 



Tempts, and then flies: 

 What is this world's delight? — 

 Lightning that mocks the night, 

 Brief even as bright. 



. Virtue, how frail it is ! 

 Friendship, too rare ! 

 Love, how it sells poor bliss 



For proud despair ! 

 But we, though soon they fall, 

 Survive their joy, and all 

 Which ours we call. 



Whilst skies are blue and bright, 



Whilst flowers are gay, 

 Whilst eyes that change ere night 



Make glad the day; 

 Whilst yet the calm hours creep, 

 Dream thou : — and from thy sleep 

 Then wake to weep! Shelley. 



