SWEET-SMELLING PLANTS 



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merry one, through the most picturesque and romantic of its 

 ancient observances, in which the dainty flowers of this plant takes 

 a leading part. One can readily imagine what a gay scene old 

 London must have been when the doors were decked with Hawthorn, 

 and Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian, and all the other 

 fantastic dancers were performing their antics round the May-pole, 

 or when all the young men and maidens were off by sunrise to the 

 fields to wash their faces in the dew and gather the May. Every 

 rural custom which tends to infuse poetical feeling amongst the 

 country lads and lasses, to sweeten and soften unpolished rustic 

 manners without destroying their simplicity, is worthy of encour- 

 agement. 



The scent of the May blossom is proverbially sweet, and poets 

 have much to say in its praise ; poor Keats, who was passionately 

 fond of the flower, addresses it thus : — 



' So I straightway went to pick a posy 

 Of liixurious May both white and rosy.' 



' A bush of May bloom with bees about them. 

 Ah, sure no tasteful nook could be without them.' 



The Hawthorn was amongst Burns's floral pets, as his favourite 

 flower of spring ; in his farewell to Highland Mary, he thus exclaims : 



* How rich the Hawthorn's blossom ! ' 



Again, in one of his happiest moments he sings : — 



' 'Tis when a youthful, modest pair 

 In others arms breathe out the tender tale 

 Beneath the milk-white Thorn that scents the evening gale.' 



There are many varieties, single and double blossom, ranging from 

 white and scarlet in colour, and all are well adapted as single 

 specimens on lawns. 

 Crinum. — A genus of handsome, bulbous sub-tropical plants, chiefly 

 from South Africa, many varieties of which bear quantities of de- 

 lightfullj^ scented flowers. C, Moorti is remarkable for its exquisite 

 purity and delicate rich fragrance, and there are many other sorts 

 that are pleasingly refreshing in the spicy odours they emit. 

 C amdbile, from Sumatra, is one of the most magnificent. Those 

 who have never seen this giant in flower, can hardly imagine 

 what Crinums are like at their best. G. cajjense, C. scahrumy very 

 fragrant at night. G. hrevifolium, G. longifolium, useful for 

 bouquets or for decorating rooms, as its flowers will impart a 

 dainty odour for several days. G. Americanuniy G. lorifolium, 

 (7. Sumatranum, G. latifolium^ G. superliLin, G. amoemuiif G. angus- 



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