206 PROSERPINA. 



2. It is the most common representative of the group 

 of Myrtillse, which, on reference to our classification, will 

 be found central between the Ericse and Aurora. The 

 distinctions between these three families may be easily 

 remembered, and had better be learned before going 

 farther ; but first let us note their fellowship. They are 

 all Oreiades, mountain plants ; in specialty, they are all 

 strong in stem, low in stature, and the Ericse and Au- 

 roras glorious in the flush of their infinitely exulting flow- 

 ers, (" the rapture of the heath" above spoken of, p. 

 96.) But all the essential loveliness of the Myrtillse is in 

 their leaves and fruit : the first always exquisitely fin- 

 ished and grouped like the most precious decorative work 

 of sacred painting ; the second, red or purple, like beads 

 of coral or amethyst. Their minute flowers have rarely 

 any general part or power in the colors of mountain 

 ground ; but, examined closely, they are one of the chief 

 joys of the traveller's rest among the Alps ; and full of 

 exquisiteness unspeakable, in their several bearings and 

 miens of blossom, so to speak. Plate VIII. represents, 

 however feebly, the proud bending back of her head by 

 Myrtilla Eegina : * an action as beautiful in her as it is 

 terrible in the Kingly Serpent of Egypt. 



3. The formal differences between these three families 

 are trenchant and easily remembered. The Ericse 



* " Arctostaphylos Alpina," I believe ; but scarcely recognize the 

 flower in my botanical books. 



