T 
&xx 
Lillies balsamm. Natural Order: Coniferce—Pine Family. 
ALSAMIC FIR (or Fir Balsam for the sake of euphony) sends 
out its branches in an almost horizontal line from the trunk, 
the fine shape being formed by the gradual diminution of the 
length of the branches until it reaches the apex, thus giving 
^^a pyramidal outline to its form. The leaves are white on the 
...._3E03> 
F nsl lower surface, and green above. The sap or resinous juice is 
obtained from the bark, from which it exudes, being about the 
consistency of thick honey, of a light amber tint. It is useful medici¬ 
nally, both internally and externally. 
TT EASON’S whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, 
Lie in three words, health, peace, and competence. 
—Pope. 
AH! what avail the largest gifts of heaven, 
1 1 When drooping health and spirits go amiss? 
How tasteless, then, whatever can be given! 
Health is the vital principle of bliss, 
And exercise of health. In proof of this, 
Behold the wretch who slugs his life away, 
Soon swallow’d in disease’s sad abyss; 
While he whom toil has brac’d, or manly play, 
Has light as air each limb, each thought as clear 
as day. -— Thomson. 
w 
HAT health promotes, and gives unenvied peace, 
Is all expenseless, and procured with ease. 
'T'HE surest road to health, say what they will, 
Is never to suppose we shall be ill. 
Most of those evils we poor mortals know, 
From doctors and imagination flow. —Churchill. 
—Sir R. Blackmore. 
T7NOW, then, whatever cheerful and serene 
Supports the mind supports the body too. 
Hence the most vital movement mortals feel 
Is hope: the balm and life-blood of the soul- 
— Dr. 'John Armstrong'. 
ATATURE does require 
Her time of preservation, which, perforce, 
I, her frail son amongst my brethren mortal, 
Must give attendance. —Shakespeare. 
REMEMBER, I remember 
The fir trees dark and high; 
fl. 
I used to think their slender tops 
Were close against the sky. —Leigh Plant. | . 
fl 
136 
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