floral emblems. 
103 
CRITIC. 
Squirting Cucumber. — Momordica Elaterium . 
“ Now learn what mortal criticks ought to show. 
For ’tis but half a judge’s task to know.” 
Pope. 
This plant, which produces that rough and 
powerful cathartic medicine called elaterium , 
is made the emblem of a critic. When in 
skilful hands, both the juice of this squirting 
fruit, and the ink which descends from the 
pen of the critic, become beneficial; but there 
are some, of whom Pope says, 
“ Criticks I saw, that others’ names deface. 
And fix their own with labour in their place.” 
