THE MYRTLE. 
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fragrant without any apparent regard to elegiac cha¬ 
racter, he wreathes, 
“ Myrtles brown, with ivy never sere.” 
Though a low, warm, but well-watered situation best 
suits the plant; yet is it mentioned by travellers as 
growing on lofty heights. Tournefort tells us it may 
be seen adorning Mount Athos with its snowy blossoms 
and “ unwithering leaf; ” and Hasselquist found it on 
Mount Tabor. It is also often observed blooming 
amongst rocks; and its delicate beauty, when contrasted 
with the ruggedness of its abode, seems to acquire an 
additional charm. 
“ And where a dark rock rose behind, 
(Their shelter from the northern wind,) 
Grew myrtles with their fragrant leaves, 
Veil’d with the web the gossamer weaves. 
So pearly fair, so light, so frail 
Like beauty’s self more than her veil.” 
K 3 
