FLORAL EMBLEMS. 103 



CRITIC. 



SQUIRTING CUCUMBER. Momordica Elaterium. 



" Now learn what mortal criticks ought to show, 

 For ''tis but half a judge's task to know." 



Pope. 



This plant, which produces that rough and 

 powerful cathartic medicine called elaterium, 

 is made the emblem of a critic. When in 

 skilful hands, both the juice of this squirting 

 fruit, and the ink which descends from the 

 pen of the critic, become beneficial ; but there 

 are some, of whom Pope says, 



" Criticks I saw, that others' names deface, 

 And fix their own with labour in their place," 



