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IpOl'tulflCCX granbitlova. Natural Order: Portulacacece—Purslane Family. 
LANTS cultivated under this name are mostly from South 
^Africa, though the varieties are greatly improved, and florists 
/have by a course of treatment produced a multiplicity of colors. 
1 In their native land they are found in very sandy soils, and 
JAthere are no plants that stand drouth better than they, except, 
perhaps, the cacti. The flowers appear fresh every morning 
^during flowering seasons, and the seeds when ripe are of a silvery 
appearance. The native weed known under the name of Purslane is an 
% American sister-plant, entirely devoid of beauty. The latter has thick, 
^^^fleshy stems and leaves, and is used as a pot-herb, also for pickles, 
“ " salads, and garnishing, and for that reason is designated botanically 
Portulaca oleracea. 
YnthUj, 
T'HE earth was made so various, that the mind 
Of desultory man, studious of change, 
And pleas’d with novelty, might be indulg’d. 
— Cozvper. 
TT^HEREFORE did nature pour her bounties forth C'OUNTLESS the various species of mankind, 
\\/ 1 1 n ennn o ti 1 11 onn nmi-ithnron?innr hon/1 ^— I ’Aiinfloee tho enonoe -nrhioh conoro to minn 
With such a full and unwithdrawing hand, 
Covering the earth with colors, fruits and flocks, 
Thronging the seas with spawn innumerable — 
But all to please and sate a curious taste 
-Milton. 
Countless the shades which separate mind 
from mind; 
No general object of desire is known; 
Each has his will, and each pursues his own. 
—Gifford. 
VTOUTH loves and lives on change, 
A ’Till the soul sighs for sameness; which at last 
Becomes variety; and takes its place. 
-Bailey. 
T7ARIETY, the source of joy below, 
v From which still fresh revolving pleasures flow; 
In books and love the mind one end pursues, 
And only change the expiring flame renews. 
— Gay. 
Tj)LAY every string in love’s sweet lyre, 
A Set all its music flowing; 
Be air, and dew, and light, and fire, 
To keep the soul-flower growing. 
— Mrs. Osgood. 
T'HAT each from other differs, first confess; 
A Next, that he varies from himself no less. 
2 49 
— Pope. 
