228 PROSERPINA. 



calling it in Latin ' Myrtilla Cara,' and in French 

 ' Myrtille Cherie,' but retaining for it in English 

 its simply classic name, ' Blue Whortle.' 



2. It is the most common representative of 

 the group of Myrtillse, which on reference to our 

 classification will be found central between the 

 Ericas and Aurorae. 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 Aurorae glorious in the flush of their 

 infinitely exulting flowers, (" the rapture of the 

 heath " — above spoken of, p. 96). But all the 

 essential loveliness of the Myrtilla; is in their leaves 

 and fruit : the first always exquisitely finished 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 colours 

 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 unspeak- 

 able, 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 



