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All of these make vapid shoots, except the latter, which ad- 

 vances more slowly. From time immemorial, the Ivy has 

 been interwoven in the themes of classic lore, until its very 

 name seems to possess a degree of veneration. It has also 

 been most inappropriately selected as one of the emblems of 

 Bacchus. So far from being a suitable emblem of festivals 

 and wine, the Ivy seems to seek the most retired scenes of 

 nature, and is found most to flourish when covering the ruins 

 of dilapidated buildings, and in secluded spots, where the 

 footstep of man is scarcely known ; and, as Mrs. Hemans 

 has most elegantly and appropriately expressed it, that seems 

 its favourite spot 



" Where revelry hath long been o'er." 



There it seeks to enliven, with Us perennial verdure, those 

 lonely scenes which have nought else left to cheer them ; 

 and, by entwining itself around the broken fragments and 

 shattered remains of fallen buildings, it seems to bind up the 

 ruins which time has created. 



In addition to those described, there are various other spe- 

 cies, which, being natives of the East Indies, and other warm 

 climates, must be treated as Green-house plants. 



Deciduous Ivy , or Creefier Cissus. Of this species there 

 are several hardy climbers, all of which are natives of our 

 country, viz. 



Cissus hederacea, or Virginian Creefier. This is also 

 called American Ivy. It is of most rapid growth, and per- 

 haps no vine will more speedily cover a given space ; its 

 roots fasten themselves strongly into wood, or into the mor- 

 tar between the bricks, when trained on walls ; the leaves are 

 quite large and palmated, and change to a fine red in au- 

 tumn. Unlike some other vines, it will grow with great 

 luxuriance even in the confined parts of cities, and may be 

 considered one of the best vines for covering the unsightly 

 parts of old buildings, or other places. There is a distinct 

 variety of this species, whose leaves are hairy. 



Cissus amfieiofisisj or Heart Leaved Cree/ier* This is 

 nearly as vigorous in growth as the preceding, and has much 

 the same general properties, except that it does not attach 

 itself so strongly to buildings, but seems better calculated to 

 run over arbours than to ascend perpendicularly. The shape 

 of its leaves form an agreeable contrast to the preceding. 



Cissus stans, or Delicate Leaved. The foliage of this is 

 extremely delicate, the leaves being bipinuate. It shoots 



