The Hawthorn, 107 



confectioners in the manufacture of comfits for children, as well 

 as by the practitioners as an aromatic, and in combination with 

 other medicines. Dr. Cullen says, that infused along with lemon, 

 they more powerfully correct the odor and taste of this than any 

 aromatic we possess, and are, I believe, equally powerful in ob- 

 viating the griping that senna, taken alone, is very ready to pro- 

 duce. In every package of senna that leaves the apothecary's 

 shop there is a quantity of these or fennel seeds ; so long and so 

 well has their worth been appreciated. These seeds are round, 

 almost perfectly globular, about an eighth or tenth of an inch in 

 diameter, and of a light grey or yellowish color. It is the em- 

 blem of Hidden Merit. 



I seek not the gaze of the haughty and proud, 



My coat was not made for display, 

 I only desire that my seeds be allowed 



To lessen some pain every day. 



The Hawthorn. 



This is an English importation, about which Aime Martin 

 says : — Now all nature is enlivened with hope and with joy ; 

 the swallow has returned to us once more, and the nightingale 

 warbles her enchanting songs in the neighboring thickets, an- 

 nouncing the duration of fine weather : 



Around the hawthorn flings its rich perfume. 



Poor vine-dressers ! now be assured that the cold frosts shall not 

 again destroy the tender vine-buds, the hope of your long and 

 careful labors. Happy laborers, the rude north winds shall not 

 blight your verdant plains ; but the sun shall gild them with his 

 genial rays, and ripen the fruit ye seek for. The Hawthorn has 

 been made the emblem of Hope, because the young and beauti- 

 ful Athenian maids brought its branches, covered with flowers, to 

 decorate their companions on their nuptial day, whilst they bore 

 larger boughs of it to the altar. The altar of Hymen was lighted 

 by torches made from the wood of this tree ; and it also formed 

 the flambeaux which illuminated the nuptial chamber. "We are 



