20i FLORA HISTORICA. 



As the Digitales which are natives of this 

 country are either of a purplish red colour or 

 perfectly white, we are at a loss to account for 

 the origin of the name of Fox-glove, unless it 

 were from its growing abundantly in situations 

 and soils where foxes generally earth. Our early 

 poets notice it under this name only. Cowley 

 says : 



** The Fox-glove on fair Flora's hand is worn, 

 Lest while she gathers flowers she meet a thorn." 



The light dov^i which covers the stalks of the 

 Fox-glove induced the poets to make this plant 

 the emblem of youth ; but others, in allusion to 

 its flowers, which offer some resemblance both to 

 the cap and the bells, have made it the emblem 

 of folly. 



