20 
PLANTS AND INSECTS 
SOME NATIONAL FLOWERS 
BE rose is the emblem of the English people. On St. George’s 
* day, April 23, all those who can, wear roses to show they are proud 
of their native land. 
The shamrock is the emblem of Ireland. On March 17 the Irish 
people enjoy wearing a sprig of shamrock in memory of St. Patrick, 
the first missionary to preach the gospel in Ireland. One day when 
St. Patrick wanted to explain about the Trinity, how there could be 
one God in three persons, he used the tiny three-leafed plant to show 
them what he meant. He said, “Three leaves, but one stem; three 
persons, but one God.” So for centuries the shamrock has been the 
national emblem. 
The thistle is the emblem of Scotland. How did it become famous ? 
It is said that a long time ago Northmen undertook to make an attack 
on Stirling Castle. The invasion was made during the night, and in 
order to keep from being heard these men were stealing their way bare¬ 
foot across the moors. One of the men stepped on a thistle, and it hurt 
his foot sq badly that he forgot his stealth and cried out, “Oh!” The 
watchmen on the castle walls heard the cry of pain, and the invaders 
Were driven back. The attack failed, and the Scotch people were so 
pleased over this defeat that they chose the thistle for their national 
flower. 
Italy has the lily for its emblem; Wales, the leak; France, the 
fluer-de-lis (a flower something like the flag, or iris). 
What do you know about the national flowers or emblems of other 
countries? What is the emblem of the United States of America? 
— Opal Broolcover. 
PURPLE AND GOLD 
On kingly throne, in purple robes 
Sat Solomon of old, 
And on his lofty brow he wore 
A coronet of gold. 
A pansy from the lowly soil 
Lifts up her pensive face; 
Sweet, modest, beautiful, she wears 
These colors, too, with grace. 
