FLOWERS. 41 



they soon envelope the trunks of the trees in a rich 

 and luxuriant mantle. These have mostly large blue, 

 white, or crimson flowers, which they bear in great 

 abundance. The greatest number of varieties may 

 probably be found in South America and the West 

 Indies. One or two species grow in the United States, 

 and many in Africa and the adjacent islands. 



These flowers are of short continuance, generally 

 lasting but one day, opening a little before noon, and 

 closing in the evening. 



The name of Passion-Flower was given to it by the 

 Spaniards, whose attention was attracted by the beau- 

 tiful and showy appearance made by the vines in the 

 forests of Mexico and South America; and fancy 

 pictured to them in the various parts of the flower a 

 resemblance to the crown of thorns, and the other 

 signs of our Saviour's passion. Alluding to this, the 

 poet Barton says : 



"We soar to heaven; and to outlive 



Our life's contracted span, 



Unto the glorious stars -we give 



The names of mortal man. 



Then may not one poor floweret's bloom 



The holier memory share 

 Of Him who, to avert our doom, 



Vouchsafed our sins to bear? 



God dwelleth not in temples reared 



By work of human hands ; 

 Yet shrines august, by man revered, 



Are found in Christian lands. 

 4 * 



