SKILL. 
255 
SHARPNESS. 
BARBERRY. 
The fruit of the barberry is so very acid 
that birds will seldom eat them. The tree is 
armed with thorns, and the flowers are so ir¬ 
ritable, that at the slightest touch all the sta¬ 
mina close around the pistil. Thus this tree 
bears all the characteristics of persons whose 
temper is sharp and irritable. 
SKILL. 
SPIDER OPHRYS. 
According to ancient fable Arachne was 
very skilful in spinning and weaving, and 
dared to defy Minerva in the exercise of those 
arts. The offended goddess changed the im¬ 
prudent Arachne into a spider, which, accord¬ 
ing to Guillim, is free of the Weavers’ Com¬ 
pany. The spider ophrys closely resembles 
the insect which, under an hideous form still 
retains its skill and address. 
