The Folk-lore of Plants

Of the many proverbs connected with thorns, there is the true one which tells us how, "He that goes barefoot must not plant thorns," The meaning of which is self-evident, and the person who lives in a chronic state of uneasiness is said to, "sit on thorns." Then there is the oft-quoted adage:-- "While thy shoe is on thy foot, tread upon the thorns." On the other hand, that no position in life is exempt from trouble of some kind is embodied in this proverb:-- "Wherever a man dwells he shall be sure to have a thorn bush near his door," which Ray also explains in its literal sense, remarking that there "are few places in England where a man can dwell, but he shall have one near him." Then, again, thorns are commonly said to "make the greatest crackling," and "the thorn comes forth with its point forward." Many a great man has wished himself poor and obscure in his hours of adversity, a sentiment contained in the following proverb:-- "The pine wishes herself a shrub when the axe is at her root." A quaint phrase applied to those who expect events to take an unnatural turn is:-- "Would you have potatoes grow by the pot-side?" Amongst some of the other numerous proverbs may be mentioned a few relating to the apple; one of these reminding us that, "An apple, an egg, and a nut, You may eat after a slut." Selfishness in giving is thus expressed:-- "To give an apple where there is an orchard."