24 FLOWERS OF THE FIELD AND FOREST. 



speaking they are not, I can scarcely see why the Thistle should 

 >t;md for the " Cannic Scot." There are, to be sure, points of 

 resemblance, but they are quite superficial. The national motto, 

 apropos of the emblematic Thistle, " Nemo me inipioic laccssit, - 

 No one provokes me with impunity," might indeed hint at the 

 pugnacious quality of the Scotch, especially in the matter of 

 metaphysical theology ; and the sharp points with which the 

 Thistle always bristles may be no inapt symbol of the natural 

 acuteness of the Scotchman's mind, and the native keenness of 

 his wit. But underneath all, in him there is a rich store of 

 hearty, genial humanity and kindliness, which find no adequate 

 symbol in the burly thistle. 



Like everything else associated with his native land, it was 

 dear to the heart of Burns, who meeting it in his farm work, 

 says, - 



K The rough burr thistle spreading wide 



Among the bearded bear, 

 I turned the weeder-clips aside 



And spared the symbol dear." 



The early bad reputation of the Thistle among English speak- 

 ing people, is obvious from its being made to figure so prominently 

 in the "primal curse," pronounced upon the ground when Adam 

 sinned in Eden, as related in our English Bible. " Cursed is the 

 ground for thy sake. Thorns also, and thistles shall it bring 

 forth to thee." It is not known what plants are here referred 

 to, but the use of this word shows the real opinion our translators 

 had of this well known English weed. It hasn't many friends, 

 that is certain, and for the best of all reasons. It is not friendly. 

 It has a sort of touch-me-not attitude toward all the world. It 



