256 FLORA HISTORICA. 



GLOBE AMARANTH. Gomphrena Glohosa. 



Natural Order same as the foregoing, but of the Class 

 Pentandria, and Order Digynia, of the Linnagan 

 System. 



*• Amaranths such as crown the maids 

 That wander throug-h Zamara's shades." 



MooRfi* 



This plant grows naturally in Sumatra, or Za- 

 mara, an island in the Indian Ocean, and the 

 flowers are much worn by the inhabitants in their 

 hair. These people when not engaged in war 

 lead an indolent life, passing great part of their 

 time in playing on a kind of flute, crowned with 

 garlands of flowers, among which the Globe 

 Amaranth is the greatest favourite, and the most 

 prevailing flower. These flowers, which are of 

 a fine shining purple, will retain their beauty 

 and freshness for several years if gathered before 

 they are too far advanced, and on this account 

 they are much cultivated in Portugal and other 

 warm Catholic countries, for the purpose of adorn- 

 ing the churches in the winter. It is also one of 

 the flowers that form the garlands and crosses 

 which are sold at the gates of Pere la Chaise, 

 and it is likewise deemed one of the principal or- 

 naments of the dried bouquets of this country. 



