102 THE WEEPING WILLOW. 
few charms for the captives of Judea, as they sat 
mournfully brooding over their sorrows, with harps 
unstrung, and weeping at the remembrance of Zion’s 
surpassing loveliness. 
Many of the common varieties of willow are per- 
haps known to most of our readers. But there are 
few who are aware of the great difference that really 
exists between many that appear to be the same. 
‘There are probably no less than forty or fifty distinct 
varieties to be found in the United States, and 
more than double that number in other parts of the 
world. 
In the Arctic regions there is a species which is 
no more than a few inches in height; and in latitudes 
nearly approaching the pole, it is almost the only 
woody plant to be found. The Weeping Willow 
grows in China, Japan, Syria, and the northern parts 
of Africa, which appear to be its native localities ; 
but it may also be seen in most of the countries of 
the temperate zone. 
In the island of St. Helena there once stood a tree 
of this kind, which was known as Napoleon’s Willow. 
It was planted by the Governor of the island about 
the year 1810, and grew among the other trees on 
the side of a valley, near to a spring. Having at- 
tained a considerable size, it attracted the attention 
of Napoleon, who had a seat placed under it, and 
used frequently to resort to its shade, and have water 
brought to him from the adjoining fountain. About 
the time of the death of the Emperor, it is said that 
a storm shattered the tree in pieces. Many cuttings 
