146 WILD ri/OWERS OF 



intimating that already summer verges to decay. In 

 hilly spots the autumnal flowering G-orse blazes reful- 

 gent in fine contrast with the fronds of the brake or 

 Eagle fern, especially when the latter fades into a 

 rusty hue, for the gorge continues in flower far into 

 autumn. On the hills and rocks of Wales it combines 

 splendidly with the heaths and grey cairns. 



The Autumnal Moral Eeign begins to present itself 

 as soon as the Meadow Saffron (Colcliicum autvmnale), 

 shows its naked pale purple flowers conspicuously in 

 the meadows, which is generally the last week in 

 August. The autumnal Dandelion (Apargia autwm- 

 nalis), then throws a faint tinge of gold along the 

 pastures ; and damp spots in and about woods are 

 empurpled with the culmination of the Devils-bit 

 Scabious (Scabiosa succisa). The pretty little pink- 

 flowered Centaury is in perfection at this time, and on 

 the coast its dwarf varieties are particularly conspi- 

 cuous. On moist commons or the sandy sea-shore the 

 scented Triple Ladies' Traces (Neottm spiralis), now 

 presents itself sometimes in great abundance, and the 

 Sea Starwort (Aster Tripolium), exhibits its purple 

 rays along the muddy beaches of rivers within reach 

 of the tide. In the garden the Michaelmas Daisy is 

 a very characteristic feature of this floral period, 

 which closes with the flowering of the sombre Ivy, 

 on whose green umbels numerous insects alight to 

 derive the last sustenance the dying year has in 

 reserve for them. The sweets of floral life are indeed 

 fast waning away. 



If the fields have not been entirely burnt up by the 

 heats of summer, Mushrooms and numerous other 

 Fungi will be daily spangling the green fields often in 



