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(Urocus HCrUUS. Natural Order: Iridacece — lids Family. 
NE of the first flowers that greet the eye in early spring is 
this inhabitant of the snowy Alps, brightening the earth with 
its gay blossoms often before any verdure is visible. The 
1 oot is bulbous, and cheap enough to have in abundance. 
They are exceedingly attractive for house cultivation, planted 
K An some of the pretty devices that are made for hyacinths and 
similar plants. The colors vary through the different shades of purple, 
yellow and white. The ancient legend relates that Crocus was an 
unfortunate lover, whose unrequited passion awakened the sympathy 
of the gods, and procured his metamorphose into this flower. 
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O my storm-beaten heart likewise is cheer’d 
With that sunshine, when cloudy looks are clear’d. 
— Spenser. 
TlfHEN cheerfulness, a nymph of healthiest hue, 
Her bow across her shoulders flung, 
Her buskins gemm’d with morning dew, 
Blew an inspiring air, that dale and thicket rung. 
- Collins. 
J OY, like the zypher that flies o’er the flower, 
Rippling into it fresh fairness each hour,— 
Joy has wav’d o’er thee his sun-woven wing, 
And dimpled thy cheek like the roses of spring. 
— Mrs. Osgood. 
R 
sight of thee my gloomy soul cheers up, 
My hopes revive, and gladness dawns within me. 
—Ambrose Philips. 
WELCOME, wild harbinger of spring! 
To this small nook of earth; 
Feeling and fancy fondly cling 
Round thoughts which owe their birth 
To thee, and to the humble spot 
Where chance has fix’d thy lowlv lot. 
To thee — for thy rich, golden bloom, 
Like heaven’s fair bow on high, 
Portends, amid surrounding gloom, 
That brighter hours draw nigh, 
When blossoms of more varied dyes 
Shall ope their tints to warmer skies. 
-Bernard Barton. 
JET cheerfulness on happy fortune wait, 
And give not thus the counter-time to fate. 
— Dry den. 
IOI 
