G FLORA HISTOR1CA. 



direction, without fear of snapping or suffering the 

 air to defraud the stigma of its necessary part of 

 the farina, whilst its modest and pendent position 

 is calculated to throw off all superfluous moisture 

 in order that the parts of fructification may be so 

 secured as to replenish the earth with its seed. 

 The pure white that is given to the petals of this 

 flower, contributes, in a no less happy degree, to 

 the perfecting of the pollen, as it causes them to 

 act as reflectors to throw all the light and warmth 

 on the anthers, which, at the chilling season of the 

 year, when the Snowdrop flowers, is particularly 

 necessary. The verses of our fair countrywomen 

 will prove how attractive this early plant has been 

 to their poetical imaginations. 



The Snowdrop, winters timid child, 



Awakes to life, hedew'd with tears, 

 And flings around its fragrance mild ; 

 And where no rival flow'rets hloom, 

 Amidst the hare and chilling gloom 



A heauteous gem appears ! 



All weak and wan, with head inclined, 



Its parent hreast the drifted snow, 

 It trembles, while the ruthless wind 

 Bends its slim form ; the tempest lowers, 

 Its emerald eye drops crystal showers 



On its cold bed below. 



Poor flow'r ! on thee the sunny beam 

 No touch of genial warmth bestows ! 



Except to thaw the icy stream 



Whose little current purls along, 



Keeping a quiet undersong, 

 And whelms thee as it flows. 



