io8 IRamWes witb mature Stufcents 



inserted as a wick. When the supply of oil becomes 

 exhausted this flax-wick gives out a pungent smoke, 

 so that either more oil must be added or the lamp 

 extinguished. 



In Isa. xlii. 3 we find the promise, ' The smoking 

 flax shall He not quench,' referring to the infinite 

 mercy of the Saviour, who will cherish the least 

 spark of grace in the human heart and foster it 

 until the dimness passes into a shining light. 



The flax of commerce is extensively grown in 

 Ireland, to supply material for the manufacture of 

 linen ; it is also cultivated in some parts of Scotland, 

 and may be found growing wild in fields and waste 

 places in England, but it is not truly indigenous. 



Our only British species of flax is Linwn 

 catharticum, or white flax. A graceful little plant 

 growing about five inches high with small drooping 

 white flowers. It is said to be violently poisonous. 



THE SNAKE-FLY (Raphidia Opkiopsis] 



The hot weather we have lately had has driven 

 quantities of different kinds of flies indoors. Certain 

 passage windows on the north side of this house 

 are full of interest for me, as I find there quite 

 an assortment of winged creatures, not the common 

 house fly, but large and small ichneumons with 

 their ever - quivering antennae, minute gall - flies, 

 brilliant green and golden sun-flies and a host of 

 others whose names and life-histories are as yet 

 unknown to me. 



One very remarkable four-winged fly appeared 

 amongst the throng about ten days ago It struck 



