IK HILLARY. 233 



dulous flowers above each other : it is then called 

 the Triple Crown. 



Numerous varieties of this flower have been 

 raised from seed by the patient perseverance of the 

 Dutch florists ; but the most desirable varieties 

 are those of the gayest colours, such as the bright 

 yellow and the brilliant red, as the dingy colours 

 and variegated kinds make less show in the garden* 

 This imperial flower is not without its body-guard, 

 to keep its admirers at a proper distance ; for it 

 possesses so strong a scent of the fox, combined 

 with that of garlic, as to ensure its protection from 

 meddling fingers, and its safety from the saloon 

 vase. It is the same property of the plant, we may 

 presume, that defends it from being rifled of its 

 nectareous juices, which are not only rejected by 

 the bees, but refused by all kinds of insects. But 

 the beauty and splendour of this magnificent flower 

 will ever secure it a situation in pleasure-grounds, 

 as it is equally adapted to decorate the centre of 

 large flower borders, or to intermix with dwarf 

 shrubs in more sylvan scenes ; and it is one of the 

 few flowers which, like noble personages, is seen to 

 the best effect when planted singly. 



The more closely Ave attend to the natural history 

 of plants, the more are we delighted with the 

 works of Nature. To the Crown Imperial a large 

 flow er is bestowed, that has not the gift of closing 



