FOX-GLOVE. 139 



two or three times a week would be sufficient. The 

 Canary Shrubby Fox-glove has yellow flowers, which 

 begin to appear in May. The Madeira-Shrubby Fox- 

 glove is a very handsome plant, flowering in July and 

 August. These two kinds must be sheltered in the 

 winter, admitting the fresh air in mild weather. In the 

 summer they should be placed abroad where they may 

 enjoy the morning sun ; and in dry weather be plentifully 

 watered every evening: twice a week will suffice in 

 winter. 



The seedlings, sown in the autumn, and kept in a 

 room tolerably warm, will be large enough to be trans- 

 planted early in spring ; when they should be placed se- 

 parately in small pots, and after they have taken firm 

 root, should be gradually accustomed to the open air. 



It is a pity this plant is poisonous, for it is extremely 

 beautiful, particularly those kinds which are of a deep 

 rose-colour. They are all speckled within the bell, which 

 adds still more to their richness. 



Mrs. C. Smith invites the bee to 



" Explore the Fox-glove's freckled bell." 



Browne uses a similar epithet when he describes Pan as 



seeking gloves for his mistress ; a curious conceit : 



" To keepe her slender fingers from the sunne. 

 Pan through the pastures oftentimes hath runne 

 To pluck the speckled Fox-gloves from their stem. 

 And on those fingers neatly placed them." 



W. Browne. 



It is not one of his happiest passages ; but he is a true 



poet, and deserves in particular the gratitude of the lover 



of nature. Cowley has the same conceit, but conceits are 



common with Cowley : 



" The Fox-glove on fair Flora's hand is worn. 

 Lest while she gathers flowers she meet a thorn." 



Cowley, on Plants. 



