HOLLY. 



HERB ARCHANGEL (Angelica Archangelica).— 

 Inspiration. 



The stalks of this culinary plant possess a warm aromatic 

 flavour, and are deemed little inferior to ginger as a stimulant. 

 In Norway and Lapland it is highly esteemed. It is sup- 

 posed to be indigenous to extreme northern countries, and we 

 are told that it serves to form the wreath for the poets of 

 Lapland, who become inspired under the influence of its 

 agreeable odour. 



HOLLY {Ilex aquifolium). — FORETHOUGHT. 



The forethought of Nature is shown in a remarkable 

 manner in this beautiful tree. The holly-trees in the forest 

 of Needwood supply ample proof of this, though many more 

 can be found. They are furnished with a belt of leaves armed 

 with thorns to the height of ten feet or more. At that height 

 the leaves cease to be any protection, for above they are 

 smooth at the edges. The tree has no further need to be 

 armed against enemies which cannot reach so high. This 

 tree, which is of the brightest green colour, is the last deco- 

 ration of our forests when despoiled of their verdure by 

 winter ; its berries are food for the little birds which abide 

 with us during that inclement season ; it lends them its foliage, 

 which is a hospitable roof prepared for them then. The 

 deer and the hart even seek its shelter ; there they conceal 



