Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Botany, Horticulture, Politics, Government, Analogy

    Describes the political characteristics of the 'Palm' (i.e. Henry J Temple (3rd Viscount Palmerston))—a plant which is superior 'in point of verdure' to the 'Ivy green'. For example, notes how 'Palm is found in all places' and although 'it clings to the House [of Commons], certainly the House derives additional respectability' from it. 'Nervous Politicians when they see a time-honoured institution covered with lichen, are apt to be distrustful of its stability, but when connected and fortified with Palm, they feel that the Church is in no danger'.