TULIP.... _Declaration of Love_. The Tulip is an extraordinary favourite in many parts of Europe and Asia; and, in Holland and Turkey, the most extravagant prices are paid for fine specimens. On account of the elegance of its form, the beauty of its colours, and its want of fragrance and other useful qualities, this flower has been considered as an appropriate symbol of a female who possesses no recommendation but a beautiful appearance. In the East, the Tulip is employed as the emblem by which a lover makes known his passion to his mistress; as the Tulip expresses the idea that he has a face all fire and a heart all coal. * * * * * Not one of Flora’s brilliant race A form more perfect can display: Art could not feign more simple grace, Nor Nature take a line away. Yet, rich as morn, of many a hue, When flushing clouds through darkness strike, The Tulip’s petals shine in dew, All beautiful, but none alike. _Montgomery._ * * * * * My heart is sad and lonely, With weariness I pine; Would thou wert here, mine only,-- Would I were wholly thine! _H. J. H._ [Illustration: DAISY WALL FLOWER AND TULIP. _Your innocence and fidelity in misfortune Have caused me to declare my love for you_ ] * * * * * If spirits, pure as those who kneel Around the throne of light above, The power of beauty’s spell could feel, And lose a heaven for woman’s love,-- What marvel that a heart like mine Enraptured by thy charms should be! Forget to bend at glory’s shrine, And lose itself--ay, heaven--for thee! _Memorial._ * * * * * Fain would I speak the thoughts I bear to thee, But they do choke and flutter in my throat, And make me like a child. _Joanna Baillie._ CYPRESS.... _Mourning_. The ancients consecrated the Cypress to the Fates, the Furies and Pluto. They placed it near tombs. The people of the East retain the same custom in the decoration of their cemeteries. The Turks plant the Cypress at the head and at the foot of the graves. According to Ovid, the Cypress derived its name from Cyparissos, an especial friend of Apollo’s, who, in grief at having inadvertently killed a favourite stag of his, prayed the gods that his mourning might be made perpetual, and was changed into a Cypress tree, the branches of which were thenceforward used at funerals. * * * * * Lady dear! this history Is thy fated lot, Ever such thy watching For what cometh not, Till with anxious waiting dull, Round thee fades the beautiful; Still thou seekest on, though weary, Seeking still in vain. _Miss Landon._ * * * * *