80 
I feel, however, that as there are so many opinions 
on the subject I am likely to be accused of ignorance 
in the cboice; but, as I hâve endeavoured to attain 
the trutb regarding it, I trust my error, if it be one, 
will be excused. 
There is an interesting legend concerning the 
Shamrock, hy which I believe the Irish account for 
its popularity in their country. It is said that when 
St. Patrick first preached Christianity in Ireland, he 
found the mystery of the Trinity perfectly unaccep- 
tahle to heathen ears, till, chancing to cast his eyes 
on the ground, he perceived the Shamrock growing 
at his feet, and, plucking it, showed the triple leaf in 
illustration of the doctrine. 
It has been contended that the leaves of the Irish 
Shamrock hâve four leaflets, and the tradition I hâve 
repeated is differently related to suit this statement ; 
it being asserted that St. Patrick introduced the 
Virgin, to complété the number of persons represented 
by the leaflets of the plant. This, however, appears 
to me too absurd a version to be dwelt on for a 
moment; the Shamrock being always represented with 
a triple leaf. I bave never seen Clover, or other Tre- 
foils bearing four leaflets, but am assured that such 
are occasionally found. 
