THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 
11 
ground the iridescent facets of yonder diamonds that 
spangle in the sunHght and, catching the subtle colors of 
the spectrum, gleam like shattered rainbows ? The oak 
has vsheathed himself in mail, and even the tiny twigs are 
guantleted, A little breeze causes the armor to creak and 
the joints to rattle, but the fabric is well wrought and 
can endure the strain. 
Beautiful beyond all description is the yiew adown 
the garden path, when the overarching shrubs have found 
a fret-work of crystal. There are hung strings of orient 
pearls; tapestry and lace-work of superb patterns recall 
the splendors of mediaeval times; and here is a film or 
veil of frost so delicate that a breath would endanger it. 
The most homely objects are fringed with opaline icicles. 
A cluster of barberries, which has escaped the birds, is 
now an ear-drop of costly coral. What could the island 
home of Monte Cristo show that was any way compar- 
able to this splendor ? 
^'Loveliest of lovely things are they 
On earth, that soonest pass away." 
Even as we look, the enchantment is broken. The 
rare decorations are dashed upon the ground, for with a 
shudder and a sigh, each branch seems to bow itself 
slightly and then cast off its armor; the jewels are 
dissolved in rain. 
Brown University, Providence, R. L 
BOTANY FOR BEGINNERS--XVIII. 
ORDER II. — THE NAIADALES. 
There are few plant families with which the collector 
has less to do than with the Naiadales. Like their 
nearest allies, the cat-tails and bur-reeds, they are water 
and marsh plants, inconspicuous enough as to individuals, 
but often occurring in such abundance as to be noticeable 
for their numbers alone. The flowers, of a low and 
primitive type, often without petals or other showy 
organs, attract only the scientist. The average plant lover 
can hardly be expi'cted to become enthusiastic over limp, 
dripping, dirty plants lacking beauty and fragrance, 
