288 THE LANGUAGE 



highly acerb, a*nd the shrub is armed with thorns, which 

 are retained under cultivation. 



BASIL. I may hate you falsely. It is a strongly odoriferous 

 genus, some species of which were formerly used as em- 

 blems of poverty and distress, while others are still esteem- 

 ed in cookery. 



Box. / change not. This little shrub is esteemed for its 

 unchanging nature, in every part of the world. It con- 

 stantly retains its verdure, while from year to year it hardly 

 changes in size or appearance. The tree box is the mosi 

 valuable of woods. 



BULRUSH. You are indiscreet. It is an emblem of indis- 

 cretion, because it bends in any direction with the slightest 

 force. 



BUTTERCUP. Deceit is often thus covered. The flowers are 

 of a beautiful yellow, arid look as if they were varnished : 

 but they will blister the skin. 



BURDOCK. Dont come near me ! The calyx is armed with 

 hooks which catch hold of any thing they touch. 



CACTUS. You strike me with horror ! Many of the species 

 are armed with ferocious-looking spines, which are ready 

 to shed the blood of those who touch them. 



CALLA ETHIOPICA. Beauty unadorned. The flower is an 

 expanded, white spathe, gracefully curved towards the 

 apex, and without a blush of color. 



CAMELLIA JAPONICA. Your various beauties all admire. 



This is a species of the tea plant, which came from Ja- 

 pan, and contrasting the deep green and glossy surface of 

 its foliage, with the pure white, or variegated tints of its 

 spreading petals, there is no exotic which rivals it in per- 

 manent beauty. 



CATCH FLY, (Dionea,) / am not to be caught without my con- 

 sent. The leaves Qpen to the sun, but close upon any in- 

 sect, which happens to touch them, and hold it fast. 



CARNATION. There is danger of a fall. It grows high, but 

 requires a prop to keep it erect. 



CARDINAL FLOWER. Your beauty is heightened by contrast. 

 It is a beautiful red flower, in form of a diffuse spike, grow- 

 ing in swamps, among rushes and brambles. When first 

 seen, it elicits emotions of surprise and pleasure. 



CHAMOMILE. Energy will surmount adversity. Though every 

 day trampled upon, it still grows, and flourishes, and 

 blossoms. 



. I shall bewaw of your enchardments. It was namd 



