30 WILD, OR XATIVE FLOWERS. 



The flower consists of five red sepals and five red petals; the latter 

 are hollowed, trumpet-like at the mouth, ascending; thev form narrow 

 tubes, which are terminated by little round knobs filled with honey. 

 The delicate thready pedicel on which the blossom hangs causes it to 

 ■droop down and thus throw up the honey-bearing tubes of the petals; 

 the little balls forming a pretty sort of floral coronet at the junction with 

 the stalk. 



The unequal and clustered stamens, and five thready sty'es of the 

 pistil, project beyond the hollow mouths of the petals, like an elegant 

 golden fringed tassel ; the edges and interior of the petals are also of a 

 bright golden yellow. These gay colors are well contrasted with the 

 deep green of the root leaves and bracts of the flower stalks. The bracts 

 are lobed in two or three divisions. The larger leaves are placed on 

 long foot stalks, each leaf is divided into three leaflets, which are again 

 twice or thrice lobed, and unequally notched; the upper surface is smooth 

 and of a dark rich green, the under pale and whitish. As the flowers 

 fade the husky hollow seed pods become erect. 



The wild Columbine is perennial and very easily cultivated. Its 

 blossoms are eagerly sought out by the Bees and Humming-birds. 

 On sunny days you may be sure to see the latter hovering over the 

 bright drooping bells, extracting the rich nectar with which they are so 

 bountifully supplied. Those who care for Bees, and love Humming- 

 birds, should plant the graceful red-flowered Columbine in their garden 

 borders. Indeed this elegant ornamental species should find a place in 

 every garden. I have seen a striking effect produced by a number of 

 these flowers grown together. 



In its wild state it is often found growing among rocks and surface 

 stones, where it insinuates its roots into the clefts and hollows that are 

 filled with rich vegetable mould; and thus, being often seen adorning the 

 sterile rocks with its bright crown of waving blossoms, it has obtained 

 the name of Rock Columbine. 



Painted Cup — Scarlet Cup. — Castilleia coccinca. (Spreng.) 



Scarlet tiifis 

 Are glowintj in the greL'ii, like fl.ikes of fire ; 

 The wanderers of the prairie know them well, 

 And call that l)rilliant flower the Painted Cup. — Bryant, 



This splendidly-coloured plant is the glory and ornament of the 

 plain-lands of Canada. The whole i)lant is a glow of scarlet, varying 

 from pale flame-colour to the most vivid vcrmillion, rivalling in brilliancy 

 of hue the Scarlet Geranium of our gardens. 



