THE NETTLE. 



additional charms. If the ancients had that notion, if the 

 tree of Venus was with them the tree of love, it was because 

 they observed that the Myrtle, when taking possession of 

 a plot of ground, banished all other plants. Thus Love, 

 when ruler of the heart, leaves no room there for any other 

 feeling. 



THE NETTLE {Urtica ?/r^;?j-).— CRUELTY. 



The puncture of the Nettle causes a burning pain. If we 

 examine the leaves of Urtica urens, we find a number of fine, 

 stiff, jointed, and pointed hairs, which are so many conduits 

 for an acrid and caustic humour, which is contained in a 

 bladder at the bottom of each. The hair and the bladder 

 are like the sting of the bee. Both in that and also in the 

 plant it is the acrid humour which causes the pain. 



NIGHT-SMELLING GERANIUM {Pelargonium triste).— 



Melancholy Spirit. 



This charming plant, like those who suffer from melan- 

 choly, flies the light of day ; but its delicious perfume 

 delights those who cultivate it. Its clothing is dark and 

 simple. It is a striking contrast to the Scarlet Geranium, 

 the emblem of Folly. 



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