23 

 COMMON HOLLY blossoms in May, the ber- Order ?. 



. , Four PistilU. 



nes ripen in autumn, and last throughout the winter. 

 The Holly tree is of slow growth, and long duration ; 

 the wood is close-grained, and the bark smooth, and 

 abounds in a mucilage of which bird-lime is made. 



Branches of this tree were sent by the ancient 

 Romans to their friends with their New-year's gifts, 

 as emblematical of good wishes; and the custom is said 

 to be nearly as ancient as the building of Rome itself. 

 We decorate our houses and churches with it at Christ- 

 mas, to give an air of spring to the depth of winter. 



