234 FLORAL EMBLEMS. 



PERFECT GOODNESS. 



STRAWBERRY. Fragaria. 



" Content with food which nature freely bred, 

 On wildings and strawberries they fed." 



Dry den. 



This agreeable and wholesome fruit is made 

 the symbol of perfect goodness, from its fra- 

 grance, flavour, and inoffensive qualities 

 Shakspeare says, 



" The strawberry grows underneath the nettle ; 

 And wholesome berries thrive and ripen best, 

 Neighbour'd by fruit of baser quality." 



