GLYCINE. 



GLYCINE (p. sinensis). — YOUR Friendship is pleasing 



AND AGREEABLE TO ME. 



The Glycine is an elegant creeper. The Chinese have 

 made it the emblem of a tender and delicate friendship. 

 That it may thrive with success, this plant needs to be sup- 

 ported, and sheltered under a wall with a south aspect. Its 

 beautiful pale blue flowers, arranged in long pendulous branches 

 like the laburnum and the acacia, bloom in succession during 

 the summer ; but it is in the month of April, especially, that 

 they unfold themselves on all sides, and spread over the 

 largest trees their perfumed wreaths. Then they cover our 

 walls, they surround our windows, they form bowers, and fall 

 down again like a shower of flowers from the roofs of our 

 houses. They comply with all the caprices, and yield to all 

 the demands, of those who cultivate them with care and 

 attention. 



We see that this plant is yielding, agreeable, and gentle, 

 like friendship ; and to preserve it, what does it require .' 

 That which the heart lavishes on a friend, — tenderness and 

 attention. 



GOAT'S RUE {Galega officinalis). — REASON. 



The juice of this plant was at one time used to tran- 

 quillize patients suffering mental delirium, and to recall the 

 wandering faculties, whence it has been made the emblem 

 of Reason. It is now of no repute as a medicine, but the 

 species are, cultivated and are handsome border flowers. 



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