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$uirus calamus- Natural Order: Aracece — Arum Family. 
EARLY everywhere in low, wet soils throughout the United 
States, the Sweet Flag, or Calamus Root, as it is sometimes 
called, may be found, the grouping of its swordlike leaves 
addinn variety to the surrounding landscape. The root is 
thick and branching, creeping along through the watery 
soil like so many reaching fingers. It is highly aromatic 
to the taste, and is often used medicinally as a mild stimulant and 
tonic, being highly spoken of by some physicians as a valuable 
ingredient in ague remedies. The name Acorus is thought to be 
derived from the Greek kocc, pupil of the eye, because of supposed 
value as an eye-salve; and the Latin word calamus means a reed. 
Among the Turks, who are said to consume immense quantities of 
all kinds of sweetmeats, it is very popular as a confection, it being 
prepared by a coating of sugar. 
O N hanging cobwebs shone the dew, 
And thick the wayside clovers grew; 
The feeding bee had much to do, 
So fast did honev drops exude: 
She sucked and murmured, and was gone. 
And lit on other blooms anon. 
The while I learned a lesson on 
The source and sense of quietude. 
—Jean Ingelow. 
\ CLOUD lay cradled near the setting sun, 
A gleam of crimson tinged its braided snow; 
Long had I watched the glory moving on 
O’er the still radiance of the lake below. 
Tranquil its spirit seemed, and floated slow! 
Even in its very motion there was rest; 
While every breath of eve that chanced to blow 
Wafted the traveler to the beauteous west. 
Emblem, methought, of the departed soul! 
To whose white robe the gleam of bliss is given. 
And by the breath of mercy made to roll 
Right onward to the golden gates of heaven, 
Where to the eye of faith it peaceful lies, 
And tells to man his glorious destinies. 
— John Wilson. 
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