The Passion Flower, 21 



rather difficult thing to find a healthy location for any one in- 

 dulging in the habits of these people. The ancients thought it 

 impossible for living beings to exist under the equator on account 

 of the intense heat ; and we partake, in a measure, of the same 

 kind of feeling when we believe accounts of the insalubrity of 

 places without inquiring into the customs of the inhabitants. — 

 The roots of this last species are emetic, narcotic, and poisonous. 

 They contain a principle resembling morphine, which in some 

 species extends even to the flowers and fruit. The most beauti- 

 ful of the kinds now cultivated is the P. Princeps, with clusters 

 of scarlet flowers, the one we have represented ; the hybrids of 

 which are peculiarly elegant ; it was at one time much cultivated, 

 and is now to a great extent ; but the superior hardiness of the 

 blue, P. Cerulea, making it the most common, excepting the one 

 just mentioned, it is the most elegant of the genus. The flowers 

 are large and handsome ; and the leaves assume, in autumn, a 

 vivid crimson that is exceedingly beautiful. Harte describes it 

 as the 



All beauteous flower ! whose centre glows 

 With studs of gold ; thence streaming flows 



Ray-like effulgence. Next is seen 

 A rich expanse of varying hue, 

 Enfringed with an empurpled blue, 



And streaked with young Pomona's green. 



High o'er the pointal decked with gold 

 (Emblem mysterious to behold), 



A radiant cross its form expands ; 

 Its opening arms appear t' embrace 

 The whole collective human race, 



Refuge of all men, in all lands. 



The fruit is egg-shaped, and disagreeable to the taste. This 

 flower is said to bloom about Holy Rood day, to commemorate, 

 according to the legends of the Church of Rome, the day in 

 which Helena, the moxher of Constantine, in 326, A. D., discover- 

 ed the Cross on which the Saviour was crucified. Our readers 

 will know, of course, this depends alone on the accidents of the 

 climate. This should have no local emblem, but embrace all. 



Oh ! ne'er with cold and careless glance, gaze I on thee, sweet flower, 



Nor thoughtless pluck thee, as I'm wont thy sisters of the bower, 



No — fancy gifts thee with a spell, unknown to all beside, 



"Which checks the hand thy beauty woos, and quells the glance of pride. 



