I 



CATHERINE TIDE. 331 



NOV. 26, St. Peter of Alexandria, m. a.d. 31 1. 

 St. Nicon, confessor, 998. 

 St. Sylvester Gazzolini, abbot, 1267. 

 St. Conrad, bishop and confessor, 976. 

 St. Christina, virgin. 



Obs. St. Peter of Alexandria was excellent, as Eusebius informs ns, not 

 only for hi? (Jhristiiin virtnes, but for his extiaorilinary talents and learning. 

 He succeeded Tiieonas in the see of Alexandii.i in the year 300. Virtne is tried 

 and made perfect by sufferinij, and the piety and penitential character of St. 

 Peter seemed to increase with the persecutions that he sntfered. He at length 

 received the crown of martyrdom, with three other faithful priests, in the 

 year 311. 



Linear Woodsorrel Oxalis linearis still fl. 



We find many of the Woodsorrels recorded at this time of year flowering 

 late in our greenhouses. 



The time of year is now arrived when the Mvrtle will no longer bear being 

 left abroad in most parts of England and France.' In the south ol France, how- 

 ever, as well as the southwest of England, there aie many situations in which 

 it grows all winter out of doors. The Myitle, we know not for why, was con- 

 secrated by pagan superstition to Venus. Rlyrtle wreaths are often spoken of, 

 and remind us of the following verses of Draylon, in lii^i Elysium of the Muses : 

 The garland lon^r ago was worn 

 As Time pleased to bestow it: 

 The Laurel only to adorn 



The conqueror and the poet. 

 The Palm his due, who, uncontrol'd, 



On danger looking gravely, 

 When fate had done the worst it could, 



Who bore his fortunes bravely. 

 Most worthy of the Oaken wreath 



The ancienis him esteemed. 

 Who in a battle had from death 



Some man of worth redeemed. 

 About his temples grace they tie. 



Himself that so behaved, 

 In some strong siege by th' enemy, 



A city that hath saved. 

 A wreath of Vervain heralds wear. 



Amongst our garlands named. 

 Being sent that dr.-adful news to bear. 



Offensive war proclaimed. 

 The sign of peace who first displays. 



The Olive wreath po^^sesses ; 

 The lover with the Myrtle sprays 



Adorns his crisped tresses. 

 In love the sad forsaken wight 



The Willow garland weareth ; 

 The funeral man, befitting night. 



The baletul Cypress beareth ; 

 To Pan we dedicate the Pine, 



Whose slips the shepherd graceth j 

 Again the Ivy and the Vine 

 On his front Bacchus placeth. 

 Myrtles will thrive much the best in maritime situations. They are Inhabi- 

 tants of the shores of Italy and the south of Europe. The Myrtle's fondness 

 for the seashore is noticed by Virgil in his Georgics ; 



Nee sera comantem 



Narcissum, aut flexi taeuissem vimen acanthi, 

 Pallentesque hederas, et amantes litora myrtos. Georg. 4. 



And again : Litora Myrtetis laetissima. 



In his Pastorals also he alludes to the fragrance of the Myrtle blossom : 

 Et vos, 6 lauri, carpam, et te, proxima Myrtej 

 Sic positae quoiiiam suaves miscetis odores. 



