166 The Narcissus. 



shrubs, and at others springing out of the green turf, benealh the 

 spreading branches of some sable-clad tree ; for beauties but half 

 discovered are the most coveted, as the charms of the moon's beams 

 are increased by passing clouds. The single Daffodils require no 

 further attention than to observe the spot where they grow, so as not 

 to cut their roots by the hoe or spade ; but the double varieties 

 should be taken out of the ground with other curious bulbs ; for 

 by remaining in the earth they will return to their single natu- 

 ral state, which the florist improperly terms degenerating. These 

 bulbs should be replanted about the end of October, observing 

 to open a space of ground the size intended for the clump, and 

 then cover them with earth. It is said that its flowers often fail, 

 and an amusing story is told of this being cultivated with great 

 care in Holland, and returned to England under the name of 

 Phoenix or Soleil d' Or ; after tending the forced plant with much 

 care, they were surprised they possessed in it nothing better than 

 the false Narcissus. 



Narcissus Poeticus — Poet's Narcissus, is an ornamental 

 bulbous pjant, having a perennial root ; segments reflexed and 

 imbricate at base ; cup expanded, flat, their anthers shorter than 

 the tube ; leaves erect, narrow. This favorite flower has been 

 made the emblem of Egotism and Self-love, from the well 

 known story of the boy Narcissus, who was changed into this 

 plant for slighting the fair Echo in favor of his own shadow. 



Narcissus on the glassy verdure lies, 



But whilst within the crystal fount he tries 



To quench his heat, he feels new heats arise, 



For as his own bright image he surveyed, 



He fell in love with the fantastic shade ; 



And o'er the fair resemblance hung unmoved, 



Nor knew, fond youth, it was himself he loved. 



She saw him in his present misery, 



Whom spite of all her wrongs she grieved to see ; 



She answered sadly to the lover's moan, 



Sighed back his sighs, and groaned to every groan. 



Ah youth ! beloved in vain, Narcissus cries, 



Ah youth, beloved in vain, the Nymph replies. 



Farewell, says he, the parting sound scarce fell 



From his faint lips, but she replied, farewell. 



Then on the wholesome earth he gasping lies, 



Till death shuts up those self-admiring eyes, 



