200 ®ttrta gUter. 
China Aster.... Variety. 
The China Aster begins to blow when other flowers 
are scarce. It is like an afterthought of Flora’s, who 
smiles at leaving us. The China Aster was introduced 
into Europe by Father d’Insarville, a Jesuit missionary ; 
who, about the year 1730, sent seeds of it to the royal 
gardens of Paris. As, by cultivation, many varieties 
of the Aster have been obtained, the flower has been 
made the emblem of variety. 
The sleepless streams move onward 
Through beds of idling lilies, 
Chiding the foolish flowers 
That watch their mirrored beauty ; 
So live the thoughtless many, 
Who throng the halls of fashion. 
Dawes. 
I love the ever-varying hue 
Upon the face of heaven ; 
I would not have it always blue, 
But oft with lightning riven. 
I would not have wide oceans spread 
A mirror e’er to see ; 
But lashed to many a cresty head 
By scowling tempests free! 
C. Watson. 
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