310 
FLORAL EMBLEMS, 
USELESSNESS. 
SpiRiE Hypericum Frutex.— Spira hypericifolia. 
As this plant has not yet been turned to 
any profitable purposes in Europe, it stands 
as the degrading emblem of uselessness. 
On close investigation, we find every plant 
of some utility in its natural situation, although 
they are frequently cursed as weeds when 
they do not exactly meet our wants. 
“ So have I seen the lost clouds pour 
Into the sea an useless show’r; 
And the vext sailors curse the rain 
For which poor shepherds pray’d in vain.” 
Waller. 
