American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-04-01
THE MYSTERIOUS FLOWER.
A LEGEND.
By Mrs. E. F. Elicit.

by Jhrs' T.. +. EteH.
fany years since, we'll dressed traveller,
ut thirty years of age, sat in the parlor of
inn, in the small hamlet of Neuj ohnsdorf,
he province of Lusatia. 1t was not yet sum
and the golden light bathed the richly
bded mountains enclosing the landscape of
lch the windows commanded view. A
am that wandered through the valley could
seen flashing at intervals between the trees
its margin, or bordering meadow of YER
Re. Close to the foot of the mountain, it ex-
lded into a small lakelet that lay in deep
dow, rejecting the sombre green of the fir
pine trees-its CLASSY surface rippled con-
ually by the fishing boats that shot to and
] giving animation to scene ofcalm and pic
esque beauty.
The stranger leaned forward thoughtfully in
seat near the window, and looked forth; but
seemed to have little enjoyment of the quiet
eliness of the landscape. He had visited,
fact, all the countries of Europe remarkable
romantic scenery. He was traveller for
asure, or rather to escape from himself one
hose restless beings who find relief from en-
only in continual change of place. He had
bird much of the beauty of Lusatia; it would
dy palled upon his taste.
lucas" said he to his attendant, who just
En- entered; ~ shall leave here tomorrow"
f'To-morrow? and yet Monsieur lie COmte
5 not seen all the wonders of the regon!"
what are those?" asked the stranger, yawn-
+'There is a spot in the lake which, they say
pottomless-a whirlpool on the other side Of
mountain, where men, venturing to bathe
I've been swallowed up; and a wizard tree
arce league hence, of which wild tales are
I'D. But the greatest curiosity of all is the
halkstein."
'What is that?"
Does Monsieur note yonder conical rock
ling from the midst of the wood? 1t crowni
summit of a mountain Just behind that We
close at hand. Within that mountain-sc
NOR says-a treasure lies buried"
"A treasurer
"Ay-for thousand years it has lain there
he spot is marked by strange flower, thai
ows and perishes in night. The only nigh
the year in which it blooms is the eve of St
hn."
"A curious tradition, in sooth."
1T is believed throughout the country, tina
who finds that fiower-and he alone-is des
led to possess the treasure"
Hem! is,not tonight the eve of St. joint
''It is"
"And the moon is full. Why not search fo
10 flower, and dig for the treasure, Lucas"
Monsieur is pleased to jest. know not ont
lwer from another"
-"Well, then, will go myself l am anxious
know if there be really any plant peculiar t.
is season, whose growth could have origina
d so singular superstition"
|"Monsieur has rare taste in flowers"
"True, Lucas, and in philosophy. A wall
the moonlight cannot be hurtful at mdsum
Ier, and it will be something to think Of
hould / discover any rare Plant-a specimen
the museum in Berlin-I shall have thank
Il it, at least. Order supper early"
4 In the most shaded part ofthe valley--som
biles from the hamlet, stood small hut, il
lont of garden carefully cultivated, but s.
limited in extent as to show the poverty OF tn
twner. About the humble dwelling were evi
iences of taste, and love of the beautiful. /
line had been trained so as to cover part @
he rude building, and twined in graceful
|yreaths, mingled with roses, around the case
1ent. A little piece of ground before the doc
|yas literally wilderness of flowers. A larg
4ak tree on one side sheltered the cottage fror
f.he sun at noon, and added its share of pictu
Essque beauty.
4 As the last beams of sunlight faded from tn
|hshntain tops, weary looking man, coarsel
lEtired, returned from the forest, bearing h
Ike and armfull of wood. He entered the col
[fage and seated himself, wiping his forehead
|1nd complaining bitterly of fatigue; while tn
Eame, with care OH her brow, was busted i
Preparing the evening meal. This consisted {
coarse brown bread and salt, few wild fruit