264 WILD FLOWEKS OE 



And thus 'tis in vain to o'erpower 



A maiden with flatteries and pelf; 

 For true love, like the Pimpernel flower, 



Is best when it opens itself. 



Plants that observe particular hours for opening 

 and closing their petals, become horologues, and this 

 is the case with many of the syngenesious tribe. The 

 Garden Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) opens at seven a.m. 

 and shuts at ten, the Mouse-ear Hawkweed closes at 

 half-past two p.m., while the HypocJiceris continues 

 expanded till three. Exotic plants are still more 

 remarkable in this respect as the "Four o'clock 

 [Flower" that commences expanding at that time, and 

 the Night-blowing Cereus. 



The meadows are now in their glory with towering 

 grasses, soon destined to fall before the scythe ; but 

 ere they are cut down in their pride, several beautiful 

 flowers are seen sparkling amidst the golden butter- 

 cups, and one characterized by its large purple corolla 

 the Meadow Crane's Bill (Geranium pratense), can- 

 not fail to be often noticed, as well as the tall rough 

 Cow-parsnep (Heracliwn sphondiliwri) ; while here and 

 there the Birds'-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), the 

 long-rooted Cat's-ear (Hypochceris radicatd), and seve- 

 ral other composite flowers, form glowing patches of 

 gold, finely contrasting with the argent masses of 

 Daisies and Anihemi* or the bright pink clusters of 

 the E/est-harrow and Clover. 



" The grass is thick with flowers on crisp stalks 

 Full of the juicy virtues of the place; 

 The spiky thistle, blue cranesbill, gorgeous heath, 

 And globed clover full of honey-dew, 

 And sweeter than the cowslip." 



* Anthemis inodorus, A. cotula, and other allied composite flowers, 



