THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
87 
and says, “ I come to console you, and whisper the 
return of the long, bright, sunny days.” 
“ Already now the snowdrop dares appear, 
The first pale blossom of the unripened year; 
As Flora’s breath, by some transforming power, 
Had changed an icicle into a flower.” 
Mrs. Barbauld. 
“ Nature — deep and mystic word 
Mighty mother, still unknown ! 
Thou didst sure the snowdrop gird 
With an armor all thine own. 
Thou, who sent’st it forth alone 
To the cold and sullen season 
(Like a thought at random thrown), 
Sent it thus for some grave reason.” 
Barry Cornwall. 
JUNIPER (Juniperus communis ). Asylum. Aid. 
This tree was anciently consecrated to the Eumenides ; 
the smoke of its green branches was the incense which 
was most preferred to offer to the infernal deities. The 
berries were burned at funerals to keep off witchcraft. 
In Holland they are extensively used now to flavor gin. 
The Chinese and the English like to adorn their gardens 
with this wild tree, which accustoms itself with difficulty 
to cultivation. Free, it loves to grow on the edge of 
the forest; weak and timid creatures often seek an 
asylum under its long, low boughs. The hunted hare 
crouches there, as its strong odor sets the dogs at fault; 
the thrush often confides her family to it, and fattens on 
its berries ; while the entomologist studies around its 
prickly branches a thousand brilliant insects, which have 
