MAD WORT. 



MADWORT {Alyssum saxatile).—T:'RKiiQlJl\JLlTY. 



A VERY ornamental plant early in the season. It was 

 thought by the ancients to possess the property of allaying 

 anger, and consequently of producing Tranquillity. Some 

 persons still entertain the notion that it has that valuable 

 quality. 



MANCHINEEL (Hippomane Mancinelld). — DUPLICITY. 



The fruit of the Manchineel . has a pleasing appearance 

 and an agreeable fragrance, which tempt one to eat it. Its 

 spongy and flabby substance, however, contains a milky and 

 treacherous juice, which is at first unsavoury, but is quickly 

 perceived to be so highly caustic as to burn at once the lips, 

 the palate, and the tongue. It is thus a fit emblem of 

 Duplicity. 



MAIDENHAIR (Adiantum Capillus-veneris). — 

 Discretion. 



Pliny says that it is to no purpose that you plunge the 

 Adiantum into water, for it always remains dry. Even so we 

 are told does this pretty fern conceal from botanist's the 

 secret processes in its flowering and seeding. It intrusts to 

 Zephyrus alone the invisible germs of its offspring. That 

 makes choice of their birthplace and nurgery. Some- 

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