156 FAMILIAR GARDEN FLOWERS. 



often catalogued as a separate species under the name 

 Statice angustifolia. The great sea lavender (Stalice 

 latifolia), native of Eussia, is one of the finest hardy 

 border plants in cultivation. 



" Ye gentle shades between the trees and flowers, 

 With you, ye laughing race, I'll deck my bowers. 

 Oh that my theme would grant the fond delay, 

 Nor with too urgent haste forbid my stay ! 

 With what delight my hands each spray should guide, 

 And teach your curling tendrils where to glide. 

 In woven bowers and roofs your shoots should grow, 

 And 'neath your network arch the riv'let flow ; 

 Around yon elm your wedded arms should wind, 

 Emblem of strength, with gentlest beauty joined. 



You then to whom their lowly pomp is given, 

 Display with art these charming gifts of Heaven : 

 Let every season have their brilliant bloom, 

 Their laughing colours, and their rich perfume ; 

 Let each in turn the well- wrought chaplet wear, 

 Thus ne'er shall fade the garland of the year ; 

 But new-born joys shall every season bring, 

 Each month a bower, and every bower a spring." 



