354 Sonnets. ? [April 
we might expect that inbreeding might still more frequently 
occur, but, after all, it is only where animals are subjected to the 
control of man that it is possible to make observations which 
can give us any satisfactory results upon this subject; so that, as 
before suggested, our only hope for reliable information on this 
subject must rest with the breeders of domestic animals. Should 
they take interest enough in it to make careful and numerous 
and long-continued experiments with the various species of ani- 
mals under their control, something like certainty might be ob- 
tained where we have now nothing better than conjecture. 
SANTA BARBARA, CAL., February 24, 1887. 
SONNETS. 
CACTUS. 
(Prickly Pear.) 
KNOW an isle, clasped in the Sea’s strong arms, 
Sport of his rage and sharer of his dreams; 
A barren spot to alien eyes it seems, 
But for its own it wears unfading charms. 
From Spring’s first kiss to Autumn’s last caress, 
Gayly its moorlands bloom, from strand to strand; 
And many a favored nook, by west winds fanned, 
Holds flowers unmatched for tint and loveliness. 
But most I mind me of a lonesome shore, 
For countless gulls a harbor and freehold, 
Where, like some shipwreck’d buccaneer of old,— 
Cast on the sands, condemned to rove no more,— 
In spiny armature, secure and bold, 
The Cactus lies at length and guards its gold. 
NANTUCKET, July. 
Nore.—The island of Nantucket is the northern limit of Opuntia vulgaris. 
PARNASSIA. 
(Grass of Parnassus.) 
Oh, stately, calm, and pure, as best beseems 
One born in that far land of sun and song, 
Beloved of gods and men, whose vales along 
