of the building, extending to the western side also, 

 whence, over the distant country, I may catch the 

 last red light of the setting sun. * * * The upper 

 terrace should be strictly architectural, and no plants 

 are to be harboured there, save such as twine among 

 the balustrades, or fix themselves in the mouldering 

 crevices of the stone. I can endure no plants in 

 pots, — a plant in a pot is like a bird in a cage. 



Thomas James. 



Spring Has Come 



And first the snowdrop's bells are seen, 

 Then close against the sheltering wall 



The tulip's horn of dusky gree;i. 

 The peony's dark unfolding ball. 



The golden-chaliced crocus burns. 

 The long narcissus blades appear. 



The cone-beaked hyacinth returns 



To light her blue-flamed chandelier. 



The willow's whistling lashes, wrung 

 By the wild winds of gusty March, 



With sallow leaflets lightly strung, 

 Are swaying by the tufted larch. 



See the proud tuHp's flaunting fcup. 

 That flames in glory for an hour, — 



Behold it withering, — then look up, — 

 How meek the forest monarch's flower ! 



When wake the violets, Winter dies ; 



When sprout the elm-buds, Spring is near; 

 When lilacs blossom. Summer cries, 



"Bud little roses. Spring is here." 



Oliver Wendell Holmes, 



