THE COMMON ALMOND. 



says it is thought that the name of Agrimony was given to 

 this plant on account of the resemblance of its inverted flower- 

 cups to the little hand-bells of the hermit. " For myself," 

 she adds, " I think that Gratitude has accorded the name of 

 the ' Country Nun ' {Religieuse des Champs) to this pretty 

 campanula, in honour of sonie kind, gentle, and obliging 

 hospitaller, whose allotted duty it was to care for the sick, 

 the poor, and the stranger." 



Agrimony was formerly deenied a valuable tonic. It is 

 still retained in our Materia Medica, but is seldom made use 

 of. The herbalist counts it even now amongst his treasures, 

 and they who prefer an infusion of herbs to plain water or 

 fermented drinks, reckon Agrimony tea a refreshing beverage. 

 It is by no means unpleasant to the palate, and the cause of 

 temperance might be greatly promoted by its more general 

 use, which would give it an additional claim to be regarded as 

 the emblem of Gratitude. 



THE COMMON ALMOND {Amygdalus comiminis). 

 Thoughtlessness. 



" The hope, in dreams, of a happier hour 

 That alights on misery's brow, 

 Springs, out of the silvery almond flower, 

 That hlQanis on a leafless bough." 



Lalla Rookh. 



Mythology hands down to us a fabulous account of the 

 origin of the Almond-tree. It is sufficiently romantic to 

 claim the character of a touching story. Among those who 



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