THE HOSE OF SITAROX. 51 



abundant in the eastern mountainous districts of Sharon 

 than are any of the true roses, or than (jur rock-rose is on 

 the limestone ranges of the midland and northeiu counties. 

 Thus we have got far away from the plant figured, 

 althouo'h in g'ardeus it is known as the " Rose of Sharon ■" 

 and as " Aaron's Beard." Its claims to be called by the 

 first of these two names are not entirely disposed of by 

 the considerations already entertained. It is a woodland 

 plant, and thrives under the shade of trees. It is not 

 wanting in the flora of the Holy Land, and in Syria occur 

 several species of Jiijpei-lciim. 



As a garden plant, Hjpericnm culi/ciaiim is especially 

 serviceable to clothe banks and borders that arc shaded 

 by trees, as it spreads over the ground somewhat rapidly, 

 and forms a rich surfacing of glossy leaves of a full green 

 colour, which, in the later days of summer, are overspread 

 by large, handsome, yellow flowers, with very many beard- 

 like stamens. This plant will thrive in any good soil, 

 and it is scarcely less healthy in the smoky town than in 

 the country garden. 



The common St. John's wort was a Druidical plant, 

 and is still looked upon with superstitious reverence in 

 many rural districts, as peculiarly fitted for a spell or 

 charm. IMany curious ceremonies are still performed in 

 villages on Midsummer Eve and the succeeding morning, 

 distinguished as the day dedicated to St. John. These 

 performances have a peculiar interest to young maidens 

 and bachelors, and like those of Halloween, in Scotland, 

 are believed by the superstitious observers to lift the veil 

 of futurity for the coming )'ear, and enable the inquirers 

 to prognosticate their lot for married or single life. 

 These practices still prevail in many parts of the Continent. 



