78 
DESPAIR. 
This fragrant and much admired shrubbery 
plant frequently flourishes towards the end of 
January, appearing as it were in the breast of 
snows, reclad in its charming attire. It is re¬ 
garded as the emblem of an imprudent and 
coquettish nymph, who, in the midst of win¬ 
ter, arrays herself in the robes of spring. 
The mezereon holds its flowers for some 
time, not often fading until the delicate pe¬ 
tals of the almond have arrived, which also 
blooms on leafless branches. 
“ The fruit of the mezereon is a berry of 
a red colour, that is exceedingly ornamental 
in June and July, but whose qualities are of a 
more deadly poison than the arts of the co¬ 
quette, whose injuries are seldom mortal.” 
The whole plant is extremely acrid, espe¬ 
cially when fresh ; and, if retained in the 
mouth, excites great heat and inflammation. 
DESPAIR. 
CYPRESS AND MARIGOLD. 
Having given an account of the cypress 
tree under Mourning, and of marigold under 
Inquietude, we shall not enter into any de¬ 
scription of them here. Suffice it, that the two 
united have been made the emblem of despair. 
