

78 DESPAIR. 
tipped with a small tuft of leaves, seems to 
assume the form of a pine apple. 
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 
regarded as the emblem of an imprudent and 
coquettish nymph, who, in the midst of winter, 
arrays herself in the robes of spring. 
The mezereon holds its flowers for some time, 
not often fading until the delicate petals 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 coquette, 
whose injuries are seldom mortal.” The whole 
plant is extremely acrid, especially when fresh ; 
and, if retained in the mouth, excites great heat 
and inflammation. 
arene 
DESPAIR. 
CYPRESS AND MARIGOLD. 
Havine given an account of the cypress tree 
under Mourning, and of marigold under In- 
quietude, we shall not enter into any description 
of them here. Suffice it, that the two united 
have been made the emblem of despair. 

























