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3Uk aquifolium. Natural Order: Aqitifoliacca:— Holly Family. 



SfLEX, signifying originally in Latin a species of oak, came 



K>it.,j|fej^ finally to be appropriated as the botanical name of the Holh'; 



^'?>^ • ■£ . J?:hfC^and aquifolium, from the Latin words actis, a needle, and 



*, '^^ n "w ^ folium, a leaf, has been added to designate its marked char- 



' .•rl ' -^ ^ acteristic of sharp-pointed leaves. We have in the United 



,nV^. ♦ •. * t ,^ States several species, some of which are shrubs from six to 



,^|^ twelve feet in height, others attaining the size of trees. The leaves 

 ^^vjfe are glossy and evergreen, the lower ones being armed with thorns. 

 ^^1^ In autumn, bright red berries deck their branches. There are over a 



^Tss, hundred varieties now cultivated in Europe, where they are all hardy, 



^^^ and most of them of fine appearance. In this country in northern 



^.j^ latitudes they nearly all require protection from the severity of the frost, 



t'.jby a covering of some kind. The wood of the Ilex opaca is fine grained 



and compact, and is useful in wood turning: some of the others possess 



properties useful in medical science. 



^[arcsig^l. 



r 



OVE 



kiew these things with curious eyes, 

 And moralize; 

 And in tliis wisdom ot' the holly tree 



Can emblems see 

 Wherewith, perchance, to make a pleasant rhyme, 

 One whicli may profit in the after-time. 



Thus though abroad, perchance, I might appear And should my youth, as youth is apt, 1 know. 

 Harsh and austere Some harshness show, 



To those who on my leisure would intrude. All vain asperities I, day by day, 

 Reserved and rude ; Would wear away, 



Gentle at home amid my friends I'd be. Till the smooth temper of my age should be 



Like the high leaves upon the holly tree. Like the high leaves upon the holly tree. 



-Roheit Soullwy. 



^J^^ 



IITALK boldly and wisely in that light thou hast 



^* There is a hand .above will help thee on. 



—BaiUy. 



•59 



J 



