It is at this charming hour, and at 

 sunset as well, that the humming- 

 birds, of which California boasts half 

 a dozen species, seek the roses, and 

 rifle them of their sweets, which are 

 doubly sweet when distilled with dew. 



The flower chosen by New York 

 State as its emblem is the always lovely 

 moss-rose. This modest flower has a 

 pretty little story as to how its buds 

 became clothed in moss. There is one 

 particular angel, so runs the tale, whose 

 duty it is to bathe young flower buds 

 in dew. Wearied out with his labours, 

 the spirit one warm day in June lay 

 down beneath a rose-bush and fell 

 asleep. When he awoke refreshed he 

 whispered to the rose, " Fairest of the 

 fair, so thankful am I for the sweet 

 shade you gave me as I slept, that 

 ask what you will of me, it shall be 

 granted." The modest rose waited a 

 moment, and not knowing her own 



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