BELL-FLOWER. 117 



the evening the corollas fold up into a pentagonal 

 figure, enclosing the parts of fructification, and 

 securing them from damp air until they are again 

 opened by the rays of Aurora. From the shape 

 of the flowers when thus folded, it has sometimes 

 borne the name of Viola Pentagonia, 



This plant grows naturally amongst the corn in 

 most of the southern countries of Europe ; and 

 Gerard tells us, '^ I found it in a field among the 

 corne by Greenehithe, as I went from thence to- 

 ward Dartford in Kent, and in many other places 

 thereabout, but not elsewhere : from whence I 

 brought of the seedes for my garden, where they 

 come vp of themselves from yeere to yeere by 

 falling of the seede." 



This annual plant is a great ornament to the 

 parterre, particularly when sown in large patches 

 on sloping banks. It seldom raises itself higher 

 than from six to twelve inches ; but, as its spread- 

 ing branches completely cover the earth, it presents 

 a mass of beauty by its mirrors, not exceeded by 

 any of the humble plants which expand their 

 petals to the sun of summer. 



The shining seed should be sown in the autumn 

 on a dry soil to produce early flowers, and the 

 spring sowing will succeed them, so as to prolono- 

 the enjoyment of these agreeable little flatterers. 



