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MYRTLE. — MYRTUS. 



Natural order, Hesperidece. Myrti, Juss. A 

 genus of the Icosandria Monogynia class. 



" and the fragrant branch 



Of glossy myrtle." Mrs. M. Robinson. 



" Now let us range both far and wide, 

 Thro' all the garden's boasted pride, 

 There rising myrtles form a shade, 

 There roses blush, and scent the glade." Cotton. 



This beautiful plant, which attracts our at- 

 tention by its irresistible charms, was made 

 the emblem of Love, and dedicated to Beauty, 

 when Venus first sprang from the froth of 

 the sea. Mythological writers tell us, that 

 when this fair goddess first appeared on the 

 bosom of the waves, the Hours preceded her 

 with a scarf of a thousand colours, and a gar- 

 land of myrtle. 



" Her waving locks immortal odours shed, 



And breath'd ambrosial scents around her head. 

 To the soft Cyprian shores the goddess moves, 

 To visit Paphos and her blooming groves ; 

 Where to her pow'r a hundred altars rise, 

 And breathing odours scent the balmy skies. 



