10 
THE SNOWDROP AND CROCUS. 
“ Fair-handed Spring unbosoms every grace. 
Throws out the snowdrop and the crocus first.” 
THE SNOWDROP. 
CALANTHUS NIVALIS. 
-“ The frail snowdrop, 
Born of the breath of Winter, and on his brow 
Fix’d like a pale and solitary star.” 
This flower, so simply elegant in itself, and so welcome 
as the earliest harbinger of brighter days, springing up, 
as it were, heedless of all obstacles, 
“ While yet the trembling year is unconfirm’d, 
And winter oft at eve resumes the breeze, 
Chills the pale morn, and bids his driving sleets 
Deform the day delightless,” 
wins its way to every heart; and, when blended with 
the varied tints of the lively crocus, which closely follows 
in its train, forms a beautiful and appropriate wreath 
for the infant spring. 
