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seems to give it a character. The giddy almond 
tree profusely puts forth its flowers in spring, 
at the risk of having no fruit for the autumn, 
whilst the service tree never bears its fruit until 
it has acquired full strength, and then its har- 
vest is certain. For this reason it is made the 
emblem of prudence. This beautiful tree retains 
its dazzling scarlet fruit throughout the winter ; 
when we seeit shining a brilliant contrast to the 
white mantle of snow which covers the earth. 
Its harvest can only be gathered in winter, and 
for that season Providence has reserved it for 
the use of the smaller birds. 
PURITY AND MODESTY. 
WHITE LILY. 
Ye loftier lilies, bathed in morning’s dew 
Of purity and innocence, renew 
Each lovely thought. 
BARTON. 
Tuts delicate and beautiful flower has for 
centuries received its tribute of admiration from 
the lovers of nature. Who has not felt a glow 
of delight in perusing that gorgeous description 
of the lily which Christ himself gave to his dis- 
ciples? ‘Of all the poetry ever drawn from 

