DICTIONARY. 287 
respect from the scarlet Geranium, the emblem of 
stupidity. 
Message, Iris. There are more than thirty species 
of Iris, both bulbous and with other roots. From 
their brilliant and diversified colours, resembling 
those of the rainbow, these beautiful flowers have 
been named after the messenger of the gods. It 
is well known that the fair Iris was the bearer of 
good news only. 
.Misanthropy, Fuller's Teasel. The flowers of the 
Fuller's Teasel are armed with long, sharp thorns : 
the whole plant has a surly look. It is never- 
theless, handsome and useful : it is used by 
clothiers and fullers to raise the nap on their 
cloths, and has thence derived its name. 
Mistrust, Lavender. It was formerly believed that 
the asp, a dangerous species of viper, made La- 
vender its habitual place of abode, for which rea- 
son that plant was approached with extreme cau- 
tion. The ancients used it largely in their baths, 
whence its name, derived from the Latin verb 
lax-are, to wash. 
Modesty, Violet. Page 48. 
Morals, Wild Rue. The Moly, which Mercury is 
said to have given to Ulysses, as an antidote to 
