THE COMMON ALMOND. ^§k 



says It is thought that the name of Agrimony was given to 

 this pLint on account of the resemblance of its inverted flower- 

 cups to the Httlc hand-bells of the hermit. " For myself," 

 she adds, *' I think that Gratitude has accorded the name of 

 the ' Country Nun ' {Religiense des Champs) to this pretty 

 campanula, in honour of some kind, gentle, and obliging 

 hospitaller, whose allotted duty it was to care for the sick, 

 the poor, and the stranger." 



Agrimony was formerly deemed a valuable tonic. It is 

 still retained in our Materia Medica, but is seldom made use 

 of. The herbalist counts it even now amongst his treasures, 

 and they who prefer an infusion of herbs to plain water or 

 fermented drinks, reckon Agrimony tea a refreshing beverage. 

 It is by no means unpleasant to the palate, and the cause of 

 temperance might be greatly promoted by its more general 

 use, which would give it an additional claim to be regarded as 

 the emblem of Gratitude. 



THE COMMON ALMOND {Amygdaius communis). 

 Thoughtlessness. 



" The hope, in dreams, of a happier hour 

 That ahghts on misery's brow, 

 Springs out of the silvery ahiiond flower, 

 That blooms on a leafless bough." 



Lalla RooJdi. 



Mythology hands down to us a fabulous account of the 

 o origin of the Almond-tree. It is sufficiently romantic to 6 

 ^^^ claim the character of a touching story. Among those who A 



^^^X-i^:^ Qf=^r^<^^ 



