UCERN. Medicago Saliva. Class 17, Di- 

 ADELPHIA. Order: DECANDRIA. Lucern 

 occupies the same ground for a long period, 

 but when it forsakes it, it is for ever. On 

 this account it has been made the. emblem 

 of life. Nothing is more charming than a 

 field of lucern in full flower. It seems 

 spread before our eyes like a carpet of green and violet. Cher- 

 ished by the husbandman, it yields him an abundant crop without 

 much care ; and, when mowed, it springs up again. The cattle 

 rejoice at its appearance ; it is a favourite plant with the sheep; 

 and the goat receives it as a delicacy ; while the horse also eats 

 it with avidity. 



LIFE. 



Catch then, O catch the transient hour, 

 Improve each moment as it flies ; 

 Life's a short summer man a flower, 

 He dies alas! how soon he dies! 



JOHNSON. 



Reflect that life and death, affecting sounds. 



Are only varied modes of endless being, 



Reflect that life, like every other blessing, 



Derives its value from its use alone; 



Not for itself but for a nobler end 



Th' Eternal gave it, and that end is virtue. 



When inconsistent with the greater good, 



Reason commands to cast the less away; 



Thus life, with loss of wealth, is well preserved, 



And virtue cheaply saved with loss of life. 



JOHNSON. 



'Tis but a night, a long and moonless night; 

 We make the grave our bed, and then are gone. 



BLAIR. 



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