64 FLOWERS AND FRUITS. 



us it is of course a misnomer. In other respects however, it is almost 

 exactly similar to the Arborescent Dogwood, the type of both order 

 and genus. This humble dwarf Cornel is a very handsome plant, 

 rising from four to six inches above the surface of the ground ; it has 

 a creeping root which sends up at near intervals simple ascending 

 stems terminating in a ring of six oval leaves, two of which are lower 

 and larger. Each single cluster, or head, or umbel of flowers is 

 surrounded by a large white common flower cup of four leaves, 

 which is by the inexperienced generally taken for the blossoms of 

 a simple flower. It is in flower from May to July, bearing afterwards 

 red globular berries or drupes ; these last appear more innocent in 

 their nature than any other part of the plant, for we are told that in 

 seasons of great scarcity when no other food can be procured by 

 them, the Indians will eat this fruit together with lichens from the 

 rocks ; passing by and rejecting even at such time, the more saped 

 fruits like those of the raspberry, accounting all unwholesome that 

 have not solid food in them. This American wild flower emblema- 

 tizes INL>U TERENCE, or a changed heart. 



Such love, by flattering charms betrayed, 



Shall yet indignant, soon rebel 

 And blushing for the choice he made 



Shall fly where humbler virtues dwell. 



'Tis then the mind, from bondage free 



And all its former weakness o'er, 

 Asserts its native dignity 



And scorns what folly prized before. 



CARTWRIOHT. 



