272 OUR ROCK-GARDEN 



calls it the " enchanting lunary," for in earlier days 

 it was held in great respect from its reputed magical 

 powers. Hence elsewhere Dray ton tells how the 

 juice of rue, 



"With nine drops of the midnight dew 

 From Lunary distilling" 



has mysterious influence in the hands of the sor- 

 cerer, the wizard, and such-like uncanny workers 

 of mystery. However this may be, we need have 

 no qualms of conscience in brightening up our 

 garden with its blossoms. The pods dry very 

 well, and if we so please we can preserve them 

 through the winter as reminders of the pleasant 

 has-been and emblems of hope for the anticipated 

 may-be, when, winter safely over, we look forward 

 to a renewal of all the pleasures that a garden 

 brings to those attuned to its delights. 



The graceful growth and long lines of golden 

 pea-like flowers of the yellow melilot Melilotus 

 officinalis will give it ready entrance and a hearty 

 welcome. The generic name is derived from two 

 Greek words signifying honey and the lotus flower, 

 and it may be accepted with certainty that whatever 

 plant was the melilotus of the ancients it was not the 

 one that is now so named. The melilot grows to a 

 height of some three or four feet, and though it may 

 be found occasionally by the roadsides, on railway 



