THE PINE TREE. 



from avof^eXaeiv, to laugh again, because its medicinal virtues 

 . cleansed the liver, and so removed causes of despondency and 

 low spirits, as to restore cheerfulness. The flower is asso- 

 ciated with cheerfulness, for when it is fully expanded the 

 weather is always bright, the air is dry and reviving, and that 

 at a season when we have much of moisture in our atmo- 

 sphere. It is one of those flowers which open and close at 

 stated times. In our latitude this expands punctually about 

 7.8 A.M., and closes at 2.3 P.M. It is also an hygrometer, for 

 when the air is very damp, its flowers do not open, or speedily 

 close again ; hence it is called the Shepherd's Weather-glass, 

 and according to its warning voice he may make his appoint- 

 ments. The author of Favourite Field Flowers, speaking as 

 a Shepherd might be supposed to do, says, 



" And if I would the weather know, ere on some pleasure trip I go, 

 My Scarlet Weather-Glass will show, whether it will be fair or no. 

 The blue-eyed Pimpernel will teU, by closed lids of rain and showers ; 

 A fine bright day is known full well, when open wide it spreads its 



flowers. 

 Some flowers put on more gay attire, and this in usefulness excel. 

 But I, a Shepherd, most admire the blue-eyed Scarlet Pimpernel." 



THE PINE TREE.— Daring. 



This tree seems to disdain our quiet groves, and to prefer 

 bathing its head in the moisture of the clouds above, and to 

 feel its foliage continually buffeted by the winds, when its 

 branches give utterance to sounds like the murmurs of the 



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