64 
CONFIDENCE, 
\ 
virginal couch of the fragrant branches of the 
agnus castus, which is an autumnal shrub 
with whorled spikes of blue and white flowers, 
from seven to fifteen inches long. This they 
regarded as the palladium of their chastity. 
In modern times the religious orders of France 
drink a water distilled from its branches, to 
dispel from their minds, when in solitude, all 
earthly thoughts. Many orders of monks ha¬ 
bitually wear a knife, whose haft is made of 
the wood of agnus castus, to fortify their 
hearts against external influence. In fine, 
this pretty shrub has been from time imme¬ 
morial the emblem of coldness. 
CONFIDENCE. 
HEPATICA ; OR NOBLE LIVERWORT. 
The three lobes of the leaves of this plant 
have been compared to the three lobes of the 
liver. It is a great favourite of the flower 
border, both as being evergreen in its foliage, 
and for its abundant blossoms and great va¬ 
riety of colours and shades. When garden¬ 
ers see its pretty flowers put forth, they say, 
“ the earth is in love, we may sow with con¬ 
fidence,” 
