IV. USES OF THE IVY. 



; Now on some twisted ivy-net, 

 Now by some tinkling rivulet, 

 In mosses mixt with violet 

 Her cream-white mule his pastern set." 



TENNYSON'S " LAUNCELOT AND GUINEVERE." 



is most unfortunate for the purposes of this 

 work that there can be no long catalogue in- 

 cluded in it of useful purposes to which our 

 plant may be applied. Without question its 

 highest uses are those of adornment, for it 

 contributes but little to our material resources, 

 and it is in the region of romance or sentiment 

 that we must seek for the most important uses 

 of the ivy. Most appropriately may the well- 

 known lines with which Endymion opens be 

 applied to this familiar emblem of unchange- 

 ableness and immortality : 



" A thing of beauty is a joy for ever ; 

 Its loveliness increases ; it will never 

 Pass into nothingness, but still will keep 

 A bower qui^t for us, and a sleep 

 Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet 

 breathing." 



Those uses of the plant, however, which come within the range of the 

 romantic are not to be slighted. To the Ivy we are without doubt indebted for 

 the preservation of many a stately pile that would erst have become dust without 

 it. Thus it may be regarded as the vegetable keeper of historical records, for 

 although it may thrust rude hands amongst them, as when it sends its roots 

 deep into the wall of a tower or keep, it affords a protecting shield against 

 wind, and rain, and snow ; its matted felt of stems and its imbricated leaves 



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