BOG ASPHODEL. 



295 



and white tufts of Cotton Grass. It is interesting, too, as 

 belonging to the family of the Asphodel, so famous among the 

 ancients, branches of which graced their funerals and were 

 planted over their graves. It still abounds in the plains of 

 Apulea. Homer and many other of the classic writers speak 

 of it. It is a native of Sicily, and was supposed to abound on 

 the further side of Acheron, watered by Lethe's stream. Pope 

 introduces it in his Ode on St. Cecilia's day : 



" By the streams that ever flow, 

 By the fragrant winds that blow 



O'er the Elysian flowers ; 

 By those happy souls who dwell 

 In yellow meads of Asphodel, 

 Or amaranthine bowers." 



