Crocus-Sypring. 
Crocs vernus. Naturar Orver: Jridacee—Iris Family. 
NE of the first flowers that greet the eye in early spring is 
this inhabitant of the snowy Alps, brightening the earth with 
its gay blossoms often before any verdure is visible. The 
root is bulbous, and cheap enough to have in abundance. 
yes They are exceedingly attractive for house cultivation, planted 
SMin some of the pretty devices that are made for hyacinths and 
similar plants. The colors vary through the different shades of purple, 
yellow and white. The ancient legend relates that Crocus was an 
unfortunate lover, whose unrequited passion awakened the sympathy 
of the gods, and procured his metamorphose into this flower. 
Oheerlutness, 
O my storm-beaten heart likewise is cheer’d 
With that sunshine, when cloudy looks are clear’d. 
— Spenser. 
HEN cheerfulness, a nymph of healthiest hue, OY, like the zypher that flies o’er the flower, 
Her bow across her shoulders flung, Rippling into it fresh fairness each hour,— 
Her buskins gemm’d with morning dew, Joy has wav’d o’er thee his sun-woven wing, 
Blew an inspiring air, that dale and thicket rung. And dimpled thy cheek like the roses of spring. 
—Collins, —Mrs. Osgood. 
4 
T sight of thee my gloomy soul cheers up, 
My hopes revive, and gladness dawns within me. 
—Ambrose Philips. 
ELCOME, wild harbinger of spring! To thee—for thy rich, golden bloom, 
To this small nook of earth; ; Like heaven’s fair bow on high, 
Feeling and fancy fondly cling Portends, amid surrounding gloom, 
Round thoughts which owe their birth That brighter hours draw nigh, 
To thee, and to the humble spot When blossoms of more varied dyes 
Where chance has fix’d thy lowly lot. Shall ope their tints to warmer skies. 
—Bernard Barton. 
ET cheerfulness on happy fortune wait, 
And give not thus the counter-time to fate. 
—Dryden. 
J0L oN 
gat 
3D 
