by the context ^ But they make a sad litter. ’ 
How difficult it is to please human nature; yet how 
nicely contrived is everything in creation, to 
satisfy its wants and administer to its luxuries ! 
Our Cistus roseus, was drawn in the Birming- 
ham Horticultural Society’s Garden, and is one of 
the very showyest, even amongst the many species 
of this showy genus. The blaze of beauty from a 
clump of Cistuses, and a moment’s thoughtfulness 
on their fleeting character, could scarcely fail to 
recal the ideas of Herrick, given to the public two 
hundred years ago. 
Fair pledges of a fruitful tree 
Why do ye fall so fast ? 
Your date is not so past. 
But you may stay here yet awhile 
To blush and gently smile, 
And go at last ! 
What ! were ye born to be 
An hour or half’s delight. 
And so to bid good-night ? 
Tis pity Nature brought ye forth 
Merely to show your worth. 
And lose you quite ! 
But you are lovely leaves, where we 
May read how soon things have 
Their end, though ne’er so brave : 
And after they have shown their pride 
Like you, awhile ; they glide 
Into the grave. 
The Cistus roseus is perfectly hardy, when plan- 
ted in a sandy light soil, in a dry situation. May 
be increased in summer, by cuttings. 
