THE STOET OF THE WILD FLOWERS. 17 



that Henry exchanged this token of goodwill and re- 

 membrance." The Hawthorn, the "sweet-smelling 

 May,"- calls back memories of the Tudors, who assumed 

 it as their insignia, in remembrance of the crown of 

 Bichard III. being found in a fruited hawthorn-bush 

 after the battle of Bosworth. The very spot is yet 

 pointed out by tradition on Crown Hill, near Stoke 

 Golding. There is a touching legend of the hawthorn 

 in connection with the unhappy Mary Queen of Scots, 

 for it was her favourite tree during life, and a thorn 

 named " Queen Mary's Thorn " remained until 1836 

 at Duddingstone, when it was overthrown by a violent 

 storm. The whole volume of Nature is full of similar 

 reminiscences. The Eue reminds us of Ophelia ; the 

 Hemlock of Socrates ; while the poets have woven a 

 garland of them all. I cannot here unfold all these 

 stores of learning : I can only indicate by a few jewels 

 the store of wealth which lies in this treasury of 

 knowledge for the earnest seeker. I can only point 

 out the additional interest it gives to the walk the 

 new world it opens up the pleasant thoughts and 

 joyous associations, which lend an additional charm 

 to the landscape, and displays new beauties to the 

 awakened soul ; for 



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