DECEMBER 311 



throughout the winter months ; it seems somewhat regretful 

 that it is not cultivated more largely. Two of the prettiest 

 and long-lasting flowers for indoor decoration is this yellow 

 jasmine and the Christmas rose, their soft tints blending 

 together in perfect harmony. It is astonishing, 



" In the days when the cruel frosts harden, 



And shatters each thing that is fair, 

 One bloom, how it brightens the garden ; 

 One bird, how it softens the air ! " 



For do not the days seem less wintry when these yellow stars 

 peep in at the window, when we espy from our warm room 

 the Christmas roses bravely blossoming outside, or when we 

 listen to the blackbird whistling from the leafless tree ? 



