102 THE WEEPING WILLOW. 



few charms for the captives of Judea, as they sat 

 mournfully brooding over their sorrows, with harps 

 unstrung, and weeping at the remembrance of Zion's 

 surpassing loveliness. 



Many of the common varieties of willow are per- 

 haps known to most of our readers. But there are 

 few who are aware of the great difference that really 

 exists between many that appear to be the same. 

 There are probably no less than forty or fifty distinct 

 varieties to be found in the United States, and 

 more than double that number in other parts of the 

 world. 



In the Arctic regions there is a species which is 

 no more than a few inches in height ; and in latitudes 

 nearly approaching the pole, it is almost the only 

 woody plant to be found. The Weeping Willow 

 grows in China, Japan, Syria, and the northern parts 

 of Africa, which appear to be its native localities; 

 but it may also be seen in most of the countries of 

 the temperate zone. 



In the island of St. Helena there once stood a tree 

 of this kind, which was known as Napoleon's Willow. 

 It was planted by the Governor of the island about 

 the year 1810, and grew among the other trees on 

 the side of a valley, near to a spring. Having at- 

 tained a considerable size, it attracted the attention 

 of Napoleon, who had a seat placed under it, and 

 used frequently to resort to its shade, and have water 

 brought to him from the adjoining fountain. About 

 the time of the death of the Emperor, it is said that 

 a storm shattered the tree in pieces. Many cuttings 



