128 FLORA HISTORIC A. 



moisture. These plants will require the protec- 

 tion of hoops, covered with oiled paper or mat- 

 ting, to screen them from severe frosts. In this 

 bed they are to remain two years before being 

 planted for flowering. 



The Campanula is made the emblem of gra- 

 titude. 



VENUS'S LOOKING-GLASS. Campanula 

 Speculum, 



The brilliant corollas of this little plant, which 

 seem to reflect the rays of the sun, have gained 

 it the name of Venus's Looking-glass, although 

 some think this title was bestowed on it on ac- 

 count of the glossy nature of its seed. 



It is made the emblem of reflection as well as 

 of flattery. The flower varies, in colour, from 

 a fine violet to a blue, and sometimes a white. 

 Towards the evening the corollas fold up into a 

 pentagonal figure, enclosing the parts of fructi- 

 fication, 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 



