LA URESTINUS. 



though no one needs reminding of this who has read or 

 heard aught of the history of ancient Greece or Rome. In 

 the latter city, for ordinary uses at the temple, and for 

 wreathing the altars, the laurel was obtained near the 

 fountain of Castalia ; but on rare and very important occa- 

 sions the citizens sent to Tempe for their Laurel. 



The Sweet-Bay has also been used for wreaths to crown 

 philosophers, and orators, and poets ; and Herrick wished 

 that a Laurel tree might be planted upon his grave. He 

 writes, — 



" A funeral stone or verse, I covet none ; 

 But only crave of you that I may have 



A sacred Laurel springing from-my grave ; 

 Which being seen blest with perpetual greene, 

 May grow to be not so much called a tree, 



As the eternal monument of me." 



LAURESTINUS {Vibtcriztnn ti?i7is). — l DIE IF NEGLECTED. 



This native of the South of Europe is one of our prettiest 

 and most popular evergreen shrubs. It is highly ornamental 

 to our groves and shrubberies, displaying its small white 

 flowers at a season when all other shrubs have shed theirs. 



Neither the scorching breath of summer, nor the cold 

 north wind of winter, robs this shrub of its charms. Still, to 

 preserve it, it needs care, and there are now and then winters 

 so severe that the frost will destroy its vitality down to the 

 ground. Tlic emblem of constant and gentle friendship, we 

 should say it al\\a}s desires to please, but it dies if neglected. 



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