Nasturtium 
168 
Nasturtio s....Patriotism. 
The Nasturtion is a native of Europe and the East. 
The flowers are of a very brilliant golden yellow, and 
present a beautiful appearance. The plant is said to 
emit flashes of light in the morning before sunrise, and 
also at twilight. Its pure, glowing hue recalls that 
ardent feeling, so clear of self, which leads men to lay 
down their lives and fortunes for their country’s safety 
and glory. 
Land of the forest and the rock, 
Of dark blue lake and mighty river— 
Of mountain reared aloft to mock 
The storm’s career and lightning’s shock, 
My own green land forever! 
Whittier. 
Clime of the daring, thy sheltering banner 
Unfurls its stars o’er the land and the sea; 
While tyrants are warring, and freemen love honour, 
That banner shall be the light of the free. 
C. Watson. 
Our country first, their glory and their pride, 
Land of their hopes, land where their fathers died, 
When in the right, they’ll keep thy honour bright, 
When in the wrong, they’ll die to set it right. 
James T. Fields. 
