DROPS FROM FLORA’S CDF. 75 
TIIE ACANTHUS. 
Tie Acanthus Is a native of Italy, and was introduced into England 
nearly three hundred years ago. It blossoms in July, and continues to 
put forth its blue flowers until the Autumn. 
If any thing obstructs its ready growth it will strive to overcome and 
vegetate with increased vigor. An elegant English work, < The Sentiments 
of Flowers,’ gives the following beautiful anecdote. 
The architect, Callimach, passing near the tomb of a young maiden 
who had died a few days before the time appointed for her nuptials, 
moved by tenderness and pity, approached to scatter some flowers on her 
tomb. Another tribute to her memory had preceded his. HernurBehad 
collected the flowers which should have decked her on her wedding 
day ; and, putting them with the marriage veil, in a little basket, had 
placed it near the grave upon a plant of acanthus, and then covered it 
with a tile. In the succeeding spring, the leaves of the acanthus grew 
round the baskot: but, being stayed in their growth by the projecting tile, 
they recoiled and surmounted its extremities. Callimach, surprised by 
this rural decoration, which seemed the work of the Graces in tears, 
conceived the capital of the Corinthian column; a magnificent ornament, 
still used and admired by the whole civilized world. 
MILTON. 
She died as fair ones 
Often die, when bridal flowers 
Spring around their pathway but to 
Deck their graves. Genius, stooping o’er 
Her silent resting-place, learned of 
Italy’s Acanthus , the arts 
Which Corinth claims. 
