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of the land. These "white blossoms of the Nile" were considered emblematic of purity and chastity; and the bands of virgin priestesses who ministered in the temples, wore them wreathed in their hair, on solemn or festive occasions, as their most appropriate ornament. It should also be remembered, that it is a flower of this tribe, though not the N. a. which is so celebrated by the poets of the east. The N. nelumbo is the lotus of India; the theme of legend and of song in every age of oriental literature.

THE DOG AND THE WATER-LILY.

COWPER.

THE noon was shady, and soft airs
Swept Ouse's silent tide,

When, 'scap'd from literary cares,

I wander'd on his side.

My spaniel, prettiest of his race,

And high in pedigree,

(Two nymphs, adorn'd with every grace,

That spaniel found for me,)

Now wanton'd, lost in flags and reeds ;

Now starting into sight,

Pursued the swallow o'er the meads

With scarce a slower flight.

It was the time when Ouse display'd
His lilies newly blown:
Their beauties I intent survey'd ;

And one I wish'd my own.

With cane extended far, I sought

To steer it close to land;

But still the prize, though nearly caught, Escap'd my eager hand.

Beau mark'd my unsuccessful pains
With fix'd, considerate face;
And puzzling, set his puppy brains
To comprehend the case.

But with a cherup clear and strong,
Dispersing all his dream, ̧

I thence withdrew, and follow'd long
The windings of the stream.

My ramble finish'd, I return'd;
Beau, trotting far before,

The floating wreath again discern'd,
And plunging left the shore.

I saw him, with that lily cropp'd,

Impatient swim to meet

My quick approach, and soon he dropp'd

The treasure at my feet.

Charm'd with the sight, the world, I cried,

Shall know of this thy deed;

My dog shall mortify the pride
Of man's superior breed.

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G. Petals three, concave. Nectary three; smaller petals notched at the end. Summit undivided.

Only one pair of leaves, blunt, keeled, glaucous, sheathed at the base. Stalk cylindrical, naked, bearing one flower. Sheath cylindrical, often cloven at the edge. Flower on a fruit-stalk, nodding, scentless. Blossom white, with nine semi-transparent streaks on each petal. Nectary white, with green streaks, and a green border on the outside.Withering.

NARCISSUS, nature's hardy child,

"The winds of March with beauty takes;"

But e'er the suns of March have smil'd,

'Mid snowy wreaths Galanthus wakes;

And, waving on the icy gale,

We bid her silvery banner hail.

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