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with far more favour than is awarded to more beautiful 
plants which leaf and blossom only in the summer. 
The variegated holly is merely a variety of Ilex aqui- 
folium (our common holly); and, as that has been already 
described, no further notice of it is required in this 
sketch of the Christmas wreath. 
’T is Christmas ! holy season, hail! 
What though the sun is dim and pale, 
What though through leafless trees the gale 
Makes sullen moan, 
And not a flower is left to tell 
Of summer gone ? 
Yet, for the memories thou dost bring 
The blessed hopes thou bid’st upspring, 
I ’ll greet with gladlier welcoming 
Thy gloomy hours, 
Than those bright months which round them fling 
Sunshine and flowers. 
