HOLL YHOCK, 



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themselves behind the snows accumulated around it. The 

 leaves and branches, lightly covered with snow, are disposed 

 like the roof of a Chinese pavilion, the elegant and pyramidal 

 form of which is assumed by the Holly. 



Does it not seem, then, that Nature, by a kind foresight, 

 has taken care to preserve throughout the year the greenness 

 of this beautiful tree, to arm it with thorns, suited to the 

 needs of, and for a defence for, innocent creatures which fly 

 to it for refuge ? Southey has well spoken of the peculiarity 

 in the foliation of the Holly, asking, — 



" Oh reader! hast thou ever stood to see the Holly Tree ? 

 The eye that contemplates it well perceives its glossy leaves, 

 Ordered by an Intelligence so wise, 

 As might confound the Atheist's sophistries. 



" Below, a circling fence, its leaves are seen wrinkled and keen ; 

 No grazing cattle through their prickly round can reach to wound; 

 But, as they grow where nothing is to fear, 

 Smooth and unarmed the pointless leaves appear." 



HOLLYHOCK (Althcea rosea). — Fruitfulness. 



This beautiful biennial is universally known and admired. 

 It is a native of China, though some regard it as imported 

 from Syria during the Crusades. This species is the parent 

 of nearly twenty varieties, the colours of which are usually 

 perpetuated in the offspring. Its flowers are very abundant, 

 and the seeds are also numerous, whence it seems to have 

 been most aptly chosen as the emblem of Fruitfulness. The 

 Chinese are said to represent Nature as crowned with its 

 flowers. 



Ill 



