310 FLORAL EMBLEMS. 



USELESSNESS. 



Spir^ Hypericum Frutex. — Spira hypericifolia. 



As this plant has not yet been turned to 

 any profitable purposes in Europe, it stands 

 as the degrading- emblem of viselessness. 



On close investigation, we find every plant 

 of some utility in its natural situation, although 

 they are frequently cursed as weeds when 

 they do not exactly meet our wants. 



*' So have I seen the lost clouds pour 

 Into the sea an useless show'r ; 

 And the vext sailors curse the rain 

 For which poor shepherds pray'd in vain/' 



Waller. 



