Partnlaca, 
Portulaca grandiflora, Narurar Orver: Portulacacee—Purslane Family. 
@\, Africa, though the varieties are greatly improved, and florists 
Ayihave by a course of treatment produced a multiplicity of colors. 
‘i In their native land they are found in very sandy soils, and 
DAs I: there are no plants that stand drouth better than they, except, 
7 oe - “ERK perhaps, the cacti. The flowers appear fresh every morning 
2 5M during flowering seasons, and the seeds when ripe are of a silvery 
!,appearance. The native weed known under the name of Purslane is an 
Mole fleshy stems and leaves, and is used as a pot-herb, also for pickles, 
oa i salads, and garnishing, and for that reason is designated botanically 
# Portulaca oleracea. 
iG —————— 
Variety. 
HE earth was made so various, that the mind 
Of desultory man, studious of change, 
And pleas’d with novelty, might be indulg’d. 
—Cowper. 
,  poreadaaesan did nature pour her bounties forth OUNTLESS the various species of mankind, 
With such a full and unwithdrawing hand, Countless the shades which separate mind 
Covering the earth with colors, fruits and flocks, from mind; 
Thronging the seas with spawn innumerable — No general object of desire is known; 
But all to please and sate a curious taste. Each has his will, and each pursues his own. 
—Milton. —Gifford. 
OUTH loves and lives on change, 
‘Till the soul sighs for sameness; which at last 
Becomes variety; and takes its place. —Bailey. 
ARIETY, the source of joy below, LAY every string in love’s sweet lyre, 
From which still fresh revolving pleasures flow; Set all its music flowing; 
In books and love the mind one end pursues, Be air, and dew, and light, and fire, 
And only change the expiring flame renews. To keep the soul-flower growing. 
—Gay. —Mrs. Osgood. 
HAT each from other differs, first confess; 
Next, that he varies from himself no less. 
—Pope. 
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