158 FLORA'S LEXICON. 



ERSIMON. Diospyrus Virginiana. Class 

 23, Polygamia. Order : Dkecia. The 



Persimon, of the same genus as the Ebony, 

 is a middling-sized tree, common in all parts 

 of the United States south of lat. 41°. The 

 fruit which is as large as a Plum, is very 

 sweet when touched by the frosts, and fre- 

 quently makes its appearance in our markets. An agreeable 

 beverage is also obtained from it in some districts, by fermenta- 

 tion. The wood is used at Baltimore by turners, for large screws, 

 and by tin-workers, for mallets; and at Philadelphia, for shoe- 

 lasts ; but though a common tree, it is usually of inconsiderable 

 dimensions. 



BURY ME AMID NATURE'S BEAUTIES. 



In the wild forest-shade, 

 Under some spreading oak, or waving pine, 

 Or old elm, festoon'd with the gadding vine, 



Let me be laid. 



In this dim, lonely grot, 

 No foot, intrusive, will disturb my dust ; 

 But o'er me songs of the wild bird shall burst — 



Cheering the spot. 



Not amidst charnel stones, 

 Or coffins dark, and thick with ancient mould — 

 With tatter'd pall, and fringe of canker'd gold, 



May rest my bones. 



But let the dewy rose, 

 The snow-drop, and the violet, lend perfume 

 Above the spot, where, in my grassy tomb, 



I take repose. 



Birds from the distant sea, 

 Shall sometimes hither flock on snowy wings, 

 And soar above my dust in airy rings, 



Singing a dirge to me ! Anon. 



