Linnean System of Plants. 59 
other enemies, like a beauty, who, placed in a rank of life 
which subiects her to the necessity of facing the elements, loses 
the dazzling fairness of her complexion, chile her health and 
strength remain unimpaired. Among the finest lilies not in- 
duded 4 in this genus are the African lily (Agapanthus, delight- 
ful flower, umbellatus, from its mode of inflorescence) and. the 
whole genus Amar Jllis (one of Virgil’s nymphs), more especially 
the eee 0, Belladénna, Jacobee’ a, and Guernsey lilies. To 
describe, or even to enumerate, all the fine flowers of this order 
would be a work of time, and would demand more space than 
can be afforded here. I will only observe in passing, that the 
Tuberose, Gloridsa, and Chandelier, are of the number: the 
first of these is well known; the name of the second speaks for 
itself; and, indeed, so we may say of the last, which is named 
from the position and brilliancy of its fine scarlet flowers, 
which shed their cheering light over the wastes of Africa. 
The African genus, Cyanélla. (blue, G7), is remarkable for 
the form and position of its stamens, which resemble the human 
thumb and fingers. The asphodel partakes the lot of angels, 
in flourishing oth in Tartarus and Eden. According to old 
traditions, fie dead are nourished with its seeds, — a circum- 
stance which accounts for its being placed in aan different 
climates. 
Though we have several British species of 4'llium*, the 
genus Is “best known among us by foreign species, cultivated 
in this country for domecte use; as the leek (4. Porrum), 
shallot (A.ascalénicum), onien (4.Cepa), garlick (4. sativum), 
&c. Among the more useful plants we may reckon the aloe, 
of which several of the species are of incalculable i importance 
to their countrymen; one in particular, a native of Mexico: 
its trunk and leaves supply the place of beams and tiles for the 
roofs of houses ; furnish needles, thread, paper, cordage, shoes, 
stockings, and other articles of clothing ; and the juice affords 
wine, honey, s sugar, and vinegar. ‘The “American aloe (Agave, 
admirable), also, serves many useful purposes, exclusive of its 
reputed power of keeping off apparitions and evil spirits, for 
which it is so highly respected by the Egyptians. In speaking 
of useful plants, I must not omit to mention, that not only the 
rattan (Calamus, alam, Arab.; vérus, true), and other canes ; 
but the bamboo also (Bambisa, the Indian name ; arundinacea, 
arundo, a reed, from aru, a Celtic word signifying water) is in- 
cluded in this order. Among the many important uses of the 
latter plant, is one which I wish I could speak of as more 
* This word, derived from the Celtic, is expressive of the pungent, biting 
flavour of the plants. 
