“3 
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Hasturtinm. 
Cropeolum majus. Naturar Orper: 7ropaolacee — Nasturtium Family. 
F this handsome class of plants, there exists quite a number of 
annual varieties, some of which are dwarf or low-growing, 
others climbing five or six feet high, adhering to their support 
by their long leaf-stalks. The flowers are brilliant, usually of 
some shade of orange or yellow, combined with red, crimson, 
maroon, or carmine, and in shape very aptly compared to a 
helmet, and the leaf to a shield. Hence the botanical name, from the 
Greek ¢ropeon a trophy, which meant strictly the pile of captured 
helmets, shields etc., raised by the victorious party on the field of battle. 
XX The vernacular Nasturtium is from the Latin masus tortus, twisted nose, 
\ 2 because of the pungency of the plant. There are also two or three 
®)tuburous or bulbous varieties, that are as yet rather unfrequent in cul- 
Le tivation, and are more delicate in foliage and flower than the well 
known species mentioned above. The Canary Bird Flower, Tropeolum aduncum 
is said, when fully grown, to live on air alone if detached from the roots. They 
are all natives of Peru. 
r 
Heraism. 
ET it may be more lofty courage dwells 
In one weak heart which braves an adverse fate, 
Than his whose ardent soul indignant swells, 
Warm’'d by the fight, or cheer’d through high debate. 
—Mrs, Norton. 
HE wise and active conquer difficulties i is a tear for all who die, 
By daring to attempt them; sloth and folly A mourner o’er the humblest grave; 
Shiver and sink at sights of toil and hazard, But nations swell the funeral cry, 
And make the impossibility they fear. And triumph weeps above the brave. 
—Rowe. —Byron. 
HERE'S naught within the compass of humanity 
But I would ‘dare and do. —Sir A. Hunt. 
ND though in peaceful garb arrayed, A highborn heart and martial pride, 
And weaponless except his blade, As if a baron’s crest he wore, 
His stately mien as well implied And, sheathed in armor, tread the shore. 
— Scott. 
218 r 
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