jprunns ^Irmmiaca. Natural Order: Rosacece — Rose Family. 
pjjpfN the Apricot we have a tree that is thought to have origi¬ 
nated in Armenia, but which is also found in the countries 
adjacent, and as far east as the Celestial Empire and Japan. 
Its introduction into Europe is said to have been effected by 
Alexander the Great, since whose time it has been generally 
cultivated there. The tree is medium in size, being fi om 
fifteen to twenty feet high. The flowers are white, and make their 
appearance in April or May, before the putting forth of the leaves. 
The fruit is of a purplish-golden hue, from one to two inches in diameter, 
and is palatable either to be eaten in its natural state or made into a 
preserve or jelly. It is cultivated in some parts of the Cnited States, 
and thrives best in a temperate or warm climate. 
'T'O shun th’ allurement is not hard 
To minds resolved, forewarn’d and well prepared; 
But wondrous difficult, when once beset, 
To struggle through the straits and break th’ involving net. —Dryden. 
T PICTURE easeful moments spent 
Among broad, shadowy branches, lifting 
Their gloss to some pure firmament 
Where spheres of palid fleece are drifting; 
I see the flexuous vine-coil drowse, 
The deep, dark mosses glimmer greenly, 
And watch between close-tangled boughs 
The clear-curved breaker flashing keenly. 
— Eds'ar Fawcett. 
A TO fort can be so strong, 
' No fleshy breast can armed be so sound, 
But will at last be won with battery long, 
Or unawares at disadvantage found; 
Nothing is sure that grows on earthly ground — 
And who most trusts in arm of fleshy might, 
And boasts in beauty’s chain not to be bound, 
Doth soonest fall in disadventurous fight, 
And yields his catiff neck to victors most despight. — Spenser. 
