114 
THE FLORAL GIFT. 
SNOW DROP. 
Oalanthus Niralis ,—Class 6, Order 1. 
The first harbinger of spring, appearing in the gardens even 
when the snow is still on the ground.—England. 
CONSOLATION. 
No gem of the dark and dirty mine, 
No pfarl of the deep blue sea, 
No jewelled offering on vanity’s shrine, 
Is the gift that I send to thee ; 
I send as a token, lady fair, 
An offering of richer worth 
Than pearls of the sea, or the gifts of air, 
On the precious stones of earth. 
But the Book of the High and Holy One— 
The record of life and truth ; 
To the aged pilgrim his noonday sun, 
And a lamp to the feet of youth: 
I send it—mo token of lightsome love, 
But of feelings as pure and true 
As the angels know in their homes above— 
As dwell in this heart for you. 
Lewis J. Cist. 
A -5 
