the emblem of reserve, because its flowers are late in opening and slow to fall. RESISTANCE, Tremella Nostoc. This is a gelatinous plant, which has much engaged the attention of men of science, but has hitherto escaped their researches. It was in high repute with the alchymists of old, who, like the vulgar of the present day, considered it to be the substance of what are termed falling stars, and employed it as such in their attempts to compose the philosopher's stone and a universal panacea. Other sages have regarded this gelatine as matter cast up by hawks after eating frogs; and others, again, have supposed it to be a real animal. It appears, however, that, as if to escape their investigations, this plant and several more of the same nature mutually transform themselves one into another. It is found in the alleys of gardens and in meadows. After cool and rainy nights, it has been observed to cover the ground completely in certain spots; but a few hours' sunshine causes it to disappear. In short, nothing positive is yet known concerning the Tremella, which continues to be a secret of Nature.

RESOLUTION, Cress. The ancients were of opinion that those who eat Cress become firm and decided, for which reason this plant was in great request.

RICHES, Corn. Page 165.

FALSE, Sunflower. Page 189. ROYALTY, Angrec. This is a parasitical plant of the Molucca Isles. In Ternate, the females of the blood royal wreathe it in their hair, but do not allow slaves or servants to wear it. They have reserved to themselves this exclusive right, says a traveller, persuaded that Nature, by causing this plant to grow only on elevated situations, has clearly indicated that its flowers are designed for the exclusive decoration of royalty.

RUDENESS, Clot Bur. The rough and prickly Clot Bur, which possesses neither beauty nor utility, though continually banished from our fields, always finds its way back to them. RUPTURE, Greek Valerian. Pliny relates that several Kings contested the honour of having first discovered this plant: hence it received the name of Polemonium, from the Greek word polemos, signifying war.

RUPTURE OF A CONTRACT, Broken Straw.

Page 177.

SADNESS, Dead Leaves. Page 226. SECRECY, Maiden Hair. Page 197. SELF-LOVE, Narcissus. Page 55. SEPARATION, Carolina Jasmine. Page 155. SICKNESS, Field Anemone. In some countries people imagine that the flowers of the Field Anemone are so pernicious as to taint the air, and that those who breathe its emanations are liable to severe illness. SILENCE, White Rose. The god of silence was represented under the form of a young man, half-naked, with the fore-finger of one hand on his lips, and holding a White Rose in the other. Love was said to have given him this Rose, in order to propitiate his favour. The ancients placed a carved Rose over the doors of their banqueting rooms, to caution their guests not to repeat any thing that might be said there.

SIMPLICITY, Single Rose. Simplicity embellishes beauty itself, and throws a veil over deformity. Clemence Isaure, who instituted

the Floral Games, allotted a Single Rose as the prize of eloquence.

SKILL, Spider Ophrys. Arachne was a very clever embroideress, who ventured to challenge Minerva to a trial of skill in the practice of the art. The offended goddess changed her imprudent rival into a spider. The Spider Ophrys resembles the insect, which, under its repulsive form, has lost none of the skill of its predecessor.

SLEEP, Poppy. From the Poppy is obtained laudanum, which soothes the senses and induces sleep. Page 161.

SNARE, Catchfly. The Catchfly is an appropriate emblem of the gross snares spread for imprudent youth. Flies, attracted by its smell, are caught by the viscous matter which covers its flower-stalks, and holds them so fast that they cannot escape.

SOLITUDE, Heath. Page 83.

SORROW, Yew-tree. Page 246.

SOURNESS OF TEMPER, Barberry. The fruit of the Barberry is extremely sour: the shrub that bears it is armed with thorns, and the flowers possess such irritability, that, at the slightest

touch, all the stamina fold round the pistil. Thus this tree exhibits all the different characters of ill-tempered persons.

SPELL, Circæa, or Enchanters' Nightshade. This plant, as its name intimates, is famous in magical incantations. Its flower is rosecoloured, streaked with purple. It is found in damp, shady situations: and is fond of growing upon the ruins of buildings and tombs.

STOICISM, Box-tree. The Box is fond of the

shade; it is an evergreen, enduring cold and

heat, requiring little care, and flourishing for many years. STRATAGEM, Walnut. The city of Amiens was taken by the Spaniards, in 1599, by a singular stratagem. Some soldiers, disguised as countrymen, came up to the gate with a cart-load of Walnuts. Here they untied one of the sacks containing the nuts; the latter fell out, as soon as the gate was opened and the cart began to move, and, while the guards were busy picking them up, a body of Spaniards, who were in ambush, fell upon them, and made themselves masters of the city.