The Acacia is a native of North America, from Canada to the Carolinas, and was consecrated by the Indians to the goddess of chaste love. Their bows were made of the incorruptible wood of this tree, and their arrows were pointed with its thorns. About a century ago, this tree was introduced into France by Robin, the botanist. It is a large, handsome tree, of quick growth, elegant foliage, and beautiful, rose-coloured blossoms. * * * * * Celestial happiness! Whene’er she stoops To visit earth, one shrine the goddess finds, And one alone, to make her sweet amends For absent heaven--the bosom of a friend, Where heart meets heart, reciprocally soft, Each other’s pillow to repose divine. _Young._ * * * * * The friend Who smiles when smoothing down the lonely couch, And does kind deeds, which any one can do Who has a feeling spirit,--such a friend Heals with a searching balsam. _Percival._ * * * * * Lay this into your breast: Old friends, like old swords, still are trusted best. _Webster._ * * * * * O summer friendship, Whose flattering leaves, that shadowed us in Our prosperity, with the least gust drop off In the autumn of adversity! _Massinger._ * * * * * When thou art near, The sweetest joys still sweeter seem, The brightest hopes more bright appear, And life is all one happy dream, When thou art near. _Robert Sweney._ * * * * * That friendship’s raised on sand, Which every sudden gust of discontent, Or flowing of our passions, can change As if it ne’er had been. _Massinger._ MOSS.... _Maternal Love_.