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Stapelia. 
Stapelta bufoitia. Naturat Orper: Asclepiadacee —Milkweed Family. 
‘OWN BOD.ZUS STAPEL, a renowned physician of Amsterdam, 
has the posthumous honor of being remembered in this plant. 
The Stapelia has the appearance of a species of cactus, although 
it belongs to another family of plants. It is fleshy and branching, 
’ without foliage, and the flowers are among the most curious. 
Before bursting, the bud is somewhat similar in appearance to a 
large button with five sides, and is attached to a short stem. It 
is of a bronzed or reddish green hue, but when fully open the 
calyx spreads out its five points in the shape of a star about two 
“inches broad, and forms part of the flower, having the appearance 
of being lined with a dappled maroon and velvety surface full of 
fine wrinkles. Jn the center stands the corolla, like a ring, short 
and fleshy, and of the same color. It has a rather unpleasant 
odor, which is not perceptible unless inhaled intentionally. The several varieties 
are natives of South Africa; and bufonia, from the Latin éu/fo, a toad, distin- 
guishes this variety, because of its resemblance to that reptile. 
Offense. 
LL’S not offense that indiscretion finds, 
And dotage terms so. — Shakespeare. 
F my offense be of such mortal kind, But to know so must be my benefit; 
That neither service past, nor present sorrows, So shall I clothe me in a forced content, 
Nor purpos’d merit in futurity, And shut myself up in some other course 
Can ransom me into his love again, To fortune’s alms. — Shakespeare. 
WISH I could say, “ Dear friend, 
Tell me, what have I done? 
Forgive me, let it be now at an end.” 
—Wm, W. Story. 
HAT is my offense? E not too ready to condemn 
Where is the evidence that doth accuse me? The wrongs thy brothers may have done; 
What lawful quest have given their verdict up Ere ye too harshly censure them 
Unto the frowning judge? For human faults, ask, “Have I none?” ii 
— Shakespeare. —Eliza Cook. 
— 24 Shy 
