LARKSPUR.... _Flights of Fancy_. Larkspur, Lark’s-claw, Lark-heels, and Lark’s-toe have been given in allusion to the long spur-like nectary, which has been whimsically supposed to represent these things, and many more. The Latin name, _Delphinium_, is from the Greek, Dolphin, because the nectary was thought like that fish. The French call it _Dauphinelle_, _pied d’alouette_, _l’épéron de chevalier_, (knight’s spur;) and the Italian, _speronella_, (little spur,) _sperone di cavaliere_, (knight’s spur,) and _fior regio_, (king-flower.) These names give quite a chivalric importance to the gentle flower, and furnish abundant subject for thought and fancy. Our own rural names give us a picture of the sky-lark; that “musical cherub,” soaring far and high into the blue summer heaven, above the lonely mountain-top, or over the busy town, and we can recall the delight of listening to his sweet melody. _Louisa A. Twamley._ * * * * * For never yet was bosom found So dull of sense to music’s sound, As not to linger on the way, And list to his ascending lay, And upward gaze with straining sight, And see him melting into light; Till the eye fail its part to bear In concert with the hearing ear; And naught remain but what may seem Imagination’s fairy dream, Or the sweet strain, if such there were, Of Prospero’s spirit in the air. Oh, for that strength of voice and wing To sing and soar, to soar and sing; With all his joyousness of heart From earth’s encumbrances apart; And with heaven’s denizens on high To revel mid the calm clear sky! _Mant._ * * * * * Fancy is a fairy, that can hear, Ever, the melody of nature’s voice, And see all lovely visions that she will. _Mrs. Osgood._ * * * * * All impediments in fancy’s course Are motives of more fancy. Shakspeare. * * * * * Ever let the fancy roam, Pleasure never is at home; Then let winged Fancy wander Through the thoughts still spread beyond her: Oh, sweet Fancy! let her loose, Every thing is spoilt by use. _Kent._ DYER’S WEED.... _Relief_.