Part 29

The February born shall find Sincerity and peace of mind, Freedom from passion and from care, If they the Amethyst will wear.

MARCH

Who in this world of ours, their eyes In March first open, shall be wise, In days of peril, strong and brave, And wear a Bloodstone to their grave.

APRIL

Those who from April date their years, Should Diamonds wear lest bitter tears For vain repentance flow: this stone, Emblem of innocence is known.

MAY

Who first beholds the light of day, In spring's sweet, flowery month of May, And wears an Emerald all her life, Shall be a loved and loving wife.

JUNE

Who comes in summer to this earth And owes to June her time of birth, With ring of Agate on her hand Can health, wealth and lengthy life command.

JULY

The glowing Ruby shall adorn Those who in warm July are born. Then will they be exempt and free From all life's doubts and anxiety.

AUGUST

Wear a Sardonyx or for thee No conjugal felicity. The August born without this stone, 'Tis said, must live unloved alone.

SEPTEMBER

Children born when autumn leaves Are rustling in the September breeze, A Sapphire on their brow should bind. 'Twill cure diseases of the mind.

OCTOBER

October's child is born for woe, And life's vicissitudes must know. But lay an Opal on her breast And hope will lull those woes to rest.

NOVEMBER

Who comes to this world here below, With drear November's fog and snow, Should prize the Topaz's amber hue, Emblem of friends and lovers true.

DECEMBER

If cold December gave you birth, The month of snow and ice and mirth, Place on your hand a Turquoise blue, Success will crown whate'er you do.

AN ABC OF PRECIOUS STONES

AGATE.--A stone, showing irregular bands of browns and yellows, which is often known as onyx, cornelian, etc. It is supposed to have special powers in making and binding friendships, Also, it insures long life, health and prosperity for those born in June.

AMBER.--A brownish material, resembling stone, which is derived from fossilized pine trees. It provides health and happiness when worn round the neck by people born in August.

AMETHYST.--A form of quartz, showing a range of color-shades from purple to lilac. Originally it was worn by the Greeks as a preventive of drunkenness, and, then, as a cure for all excesses of passion. Later, it became the stone associated with St. Valentine. This immediately constituted it the particular charm for lovers. It is the February birthstone.

AQUAMARINE.--A bluish-green form of the beryl or topaz. As the name implies, sea-water, it has long been a mascot for sailors and for those setting out on a long sea journey. It stands for faithfulness: thus it is an appropriate stone for a bridegroom to give to his wife, as a wedding gift.

BERYL.--A pale green stone which is sometimes found with a yellowish tinge. The latter is known as the gold beryl. It is avoided by many people as it stands for doubt, uncertainty and qualities of a wavering nature.

BLOODSTONE.--A stone found with many different colorings and markings. A frequent variety has a greenish surface, sprinkled with patches of vivid red: whilst a totally different variety shows a mottling of red and brown, with streaks of green. The red markings suggested the name of "bloodstone," and the blood became a symbol of bravery, strength and the powers of fighting. Thus, it is a stone to be worn by a man, rather than a lady. In olden days, the women gave bloodstones to their menfolk before going into battle.