92 THE SNOWDROP. 



periods : by them were many of the casualties and 

 sufferings of man and beast relieved ; and, by aid 

 of perseverance, better constitutions to act upon, 

 and faith to operate, than we possess, they pro- 

 bably effected cures, which we moderns should fail 

 to accomplish if attempted. 



Upon an old bank, tangled with bushes and rub- 

 bish, we find in abundance that very early trans- 

 lated, and perfectly domesticated flower, the cottage 

 snowdrop (cjalanthus nivalis) : a plant that is un- 

 doubtedly a native of our island, for I have seen it 

 in situations where nature only could introduce it, 

 where it was never planted by the hand of man, or 

 strayed from any neighbouring cultivation. Yet in 

 most places where we find this flower, it is of mani- 

 fest or suspicious origin ; and with us it partakes 

 of this latter character, though no remains of any 

 ancient dwelling are observable near it. The 

 damask rose, the daffodil, or the stock of an old 

 bullace plum, will long remain, and point out 

 where once a cottage existed ; but all these, and 

 most other tokens, in time waste away and decay ; 

 while the snowdrop will remain, increase, and be- 

 come the only memorial of man and his labours. 

 Many flowers present strong distinctive characters, 

 or will, at least often do, excite in us variable feel- 

 ings : the primrose, and the daisy, if not intrinsically 

 gay, call forth cheerful and pleasing sensations; 

 and the aspect or glance of some others will awaken 

 different affections. The snowdrop is a melancholy 

 flower. The season in which the " fair maids of 



