f 



nttv S-i^B' 



^ninpljita O^OVata. Natural Order: Nymfhceacea; — Water Lily Family. 



•"^^'V \ I YX'V. inadequate is language, we maj' saj', to the descrip- 



\ ti(jn ol' this beautiful flower. One might exhaust the whole 



I ^■•r \ OL abulary, and yet fall short of expressing that sense of 



J j beauty and loveliness that it itself expresses as it rests upon 



lliL bosom of the placid stream. Tantalizing, too, is it, like 



' "^ all liLauty, seemingly so near, yet only to be possessed by 



the \Lntuiesome few, for "only the brave deserve the fair," and 



3'et only waiting to be plucked by the hand that would clasp it 

 lovingly in its embrace. This HI}- is shaped like a large rosette. It 

 is composed of numerous pointed petals that curve upward toward 

 the center. They are usually a pure opaque white, though some- 

 times purplish. In the midst of this exquisite cluster of petals there 

 are innumerable fringelike filaments of the most delicate 3-ellow, that 

 tremble with the least agitation. The leaves are large and rounded, 

 being many times nearly a foot in breadth, and float on the surface 

 ot the water around their radiant queen like so many handmaids. The flower 

 is very fragrant, and may well be called, as it .sometimes is, the " Naiad, or 

 Bride of the Waters," which is but a free translation of its botanic name. 



Jliji|U0nt^, 



M 



EN are more eloquent than 

 But women are more powei 



men made, 

 to persuade. 



pOW''R above pow'rs! O heavenly eloquence! 



That with the strong rein of commanding words 

 Dost manage, guide and master th' eminence 

 Of men's affections, more than all their sw^ords! 

 Shall we not offer to thv excellence 

 The richest treasure that our wit affords ? 



- Raiidnlph. 



Thou that canst do much more with one pe 

 Than all the powers of princes can effect ; 

 And draw, divert, dispose and fashion men 

 Better than force or rigor can direct! 

 .Should we this ornament of glory then. 

 As tir unmaterial fruits of shades neglect.' 



li 



