FABLES OF FLORA. 113 
Whence came the touch, that thro’ his throbbing 
brain 
Such gushing streams of peace and gladness 
sent ? 
’T was but an Amaranth, that, to soothe his 
pain, 
Its wreath of blossoms o’er his forehead bent. 
‘ My holy flower,’ he said, ‘ what lesson now 
Wouldst thou within my fainting heart instil ? ’ 
‘ That though the laurel never wreathe thy brow,’ 
The flower replied, l my fadeless blossoms 
will!’ 
THE CACTUS. 
The genus Cacti comprises numerous and 
singular varieties of succulent plants, many of 
them bearing flowers of great brilliancy and 
beauty. The Cactus Speciosissimus has a blos¬ 
som of unrivalled splendor. Its corolla is deep 
crimson, and its lustre opal-hued, or varying in 
tint like the plumes of a peacock. Mrs. Sigour¬ 
ney has made it the subject of a poem, in which 
she has faithfully described its beauties. 
8' 
