Larkspur, 
Delphintum grandifloram. Narurar Orver: Ranunculacee— Crowfoot Family. 
SIBERIA is the native country of two of the prettiest species of 
these plants, and they are consequently very hardy. All the 
f varieties were much neglected a few years ago, but recently a 
great deal of care has been taken with the double ones, some 
Sj. of the shades of blue being very choice. Although the flowers 
bloom in spikes, which render them unsuitable to the modern 
style of bouquet, florists have overcome that difficulty by detaching 
each blossom, giving it an artificial stem of broom-straw, or some- 
thing similar, secured by a bit of thread or wire, and arranging 
them as desirable. The perennial varieties are superior in every “way 
to the annual ones. It is called Delphinium from a fancied resemblance 
5 of the flower in shape to the dolphin, and grandiflorum because of 
its large flowers. 
jreuity. 
AUGH not too much; the witty man laughs least: 
For wit is news only to ignorance. 
Less at thine own things laugh; lest in the jest 
Thy person share, and the conceit advance. 
—George Herbert. 
ETHOUGHT it was the sound OME, sisters, cheer we up his sprights, 
Of riot and ill-managed merriment, And show the best of our delights: 
Such as the jocund flute and gamesome pipe We'll charm the air to give a sound, 
Stirs up among the loose, unletter’d hinds. While you perform your antic round. 
—Milton. — Shakespeare. 
ARE to our coffin adds a nail, no doubt; 
And every grin, so merry, draws one out. 
—Dr. Walcot. 
ILL the bowl with rosy wine, Today is ours; what do we fear? 
Around our temples roses twine, Today is ours; we have it here; 
And let us cheerfully a while, Let’s treat it kindly, that it may 
Like the wine and roses, smile. Wish at least with us to stay. 
Crowned with roses, we contemn Let ’s banish business, banish sorrow; 
\ Gyges’ wealthy diadem. To the gods belongs tomorrow. ! 
& a 182 sere 
ASOD 
