30 
FLORAL POESY. 
Bees are excessively fond of the crocus; and Moore 
thus alludes to this fact in “ Lalla Rookh ” : 
“The busiest hive 
On Bela’s hills is less alive, 
When saffron-beds are full in flower, 
Than looked the valley in that hour.” 
Mrs. Howitt says of the purple crocus : 
“ Like lilac flame its color glows, 
Tender and yet so clearly bright, 
That all for miles and mdcs about 
The splendid meadow shineth out, 
And far-off village children shout 
To see the welcome sight.” 
TO A CROCUS. 
BLOOMING BENEATH A WALLFLOWER. 
BARTON. 
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 fixed thy lowly 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, 
