FLORAL EMBLEMS. 39 



FEBRUARY. 



" You have such a February face, 



So full of frost, of storm, and cloudiness." 



Shakspeare. 



As an emblem for this month, is presented 

 a wreath of Snow-drops, Galanthus nivalis, 

 surrounding a pair of Goldfinches, as birds 

 usually couple about the middle of February, 

 when the good Bishop St. Valentine's day is 

 celebrated ; for, 



" All the air is his diocese, 

 And all the chirping choristers 

 And other birds, are his parishioners. 

 He marries every year 



The lyrique lark, and the grave whispering dove ; 

 The sparrow, that neglects his life to love ; 

 The household bird with red stomacher ; 

 He makes the blackbird speed as soon 

 As doth the goldfinch or the halicon." 



" February," says Peacham, " shall be 

 clothed in a dark sky colour, carrying in 



