
FLORAL POESY. 
Bees are excessively fond of the crocus; and Moore 
thus alludes to this fact in ‘‘ Lalla Rookh” : 
«The busiest hive 
On Bela’s hills is less alive, 
When saffron-beds are full in flower, | 
Than looked the valley in that hour.” 
Mrs. Howitt says of the purple crocus : 
** Like lilac flame its color glows, 
Tender and yet so clearly bright, 
That all for miles and miles about 
The splendid meadow shineth out, 
And far-off village children shout 
To see the welcome sight.” 

TO A CROCUS. 

BLOOMING BENEATH A WALLFLOWER, 
BARTON, 
WE tcome, wild harbinger of spring ! | 
To this small nook of earth ; | 
Feeling and fancy fondly cling | 
Round thoughts which owe their birth 
To thee, and to the humble spot 
Where chance has fixed thy lowly lot. 
T’o thee, —for thy rich:golden bloom, 
Like heaven’s fair bow on high, 
Portends, amid surrounding gloom, 
That brighter hours draw nigh, 
When blossoms of more varied dyes 
Shall ope their tints to warmer skies. 


