YELLOW WATER-FLAG.

(Iris pseud-Acorus.)

THIS plant is common in marshes, and on the borders of rivers; and adds much to the beauty of their appearance, by its showy yellow flowers, which appear in the beginning of July.

This bright Lily of the wave, so pleasing to the eye, is devoid of perfume, unlike the Iris Florentina, which is one of the most delicate perfumes we have. The root of the Yellow Water-Flag, or Iris, is sometimes used instead of galls in the making of ink.

"Amid its waving swords, in flaming gold, the Iris towers.”

Class, TRIANDRIA.

Order, MONOGYNIA.

WATER-LILIES.

COME away, elves! while the dew is sweet,
Come to the dingles where fairies meet;
Know that the Lilies have spread their bells,
O'er all the pools in our forest dells;
Stilly and lightly their vases rest

On the quivering sleep of the water's breast,
Catching the sunshine thro' leaves that throw
To their scented bosoms an emerald glow;
And a star from the depth of each pearly cup,
A golden star unto heaven looks up,

As if seeking its kindred, where bright they lie,
Set in the blue of the summer sky.

Come away! under arching boughs we'll float,
Making those urns each a fairy boat;

We'll row them with reeds o'er the fountains free,
And a tall flag-leaf shall our streamer be;

And we'll send out wild music so sweet and low,
It shall seem from the bright flower's heart to flow,
As if 'twere a breeze with a flute's low sigh,
Or water-drops trained into melody.

Come away! for the Midsummer sun grows strong,
And the life of the Lily may not be long.

MRS. HEMANS' NATIONAL LYRICS.

YELLOW-FLAG, OR THE WATER-LILY.

How peaceful sails

Yon little fleet, the wild duck and her brood.
Fearless of harm, they row their easy way;
The Water-Lily, 'neath the plumy prows,
Dips, reappearing in their dimpled track.

GRAHAME.

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THOSE groups of lovely date-trees bending,
Languidly their leaf-crowned heads,
Like youthful maids, when sleep descending
Warns them to their silken beds ;-
Those virgin Lilies, all the night

Bathing their beauties in the lake,

That they may rise more fresh and bright,
When their beloved sun's awake.

MOORE.