THALAMIFLOR^ 173 



and that the plant grew near the Cross. By Italian 

 painters — Fra Angelico, for instance — it is placed in 

 the foreground ofpictures representing the Crucifixion. 



There is a species of Wood Sorrel which closes up 

 its leaves before a storm, unfolding them when it is 

 calm, and is utilised by husbandmen as a weather 

 plant. 



By doctrine of signatures, the leaves of the Wood 

 Sorrel being heart-shaped the plant was used as a 

 cordial. 



OxALis AcETosELLA. — The figure (32) of this plant 

 shows the trifoliate leaves, with one leaf closing up and 

 others ready to do so, whilst some have the leaflets hori- 

 zontal as in the day. 



Small Yellow Balsam (Impatiens parviflora). 



A Siberian plant, the Small Yellow Balsam has 

 lately become fairly frequent in this country. It is 

 characterised, as the name parviflora indicates, by the 

 small flowers, as compared with the more native 

 Touch-me-not (hence Impatiens). The latter name 

 refers to the character which the capsules possess of 

 exhibiting an explosive movement when touched. 



The Small-flowered Balsam is found in various 

 parts of England, being more or less naturalised. 



I have found it growing freely and permanently on 

 tan in a woodyard. It may be found in woods and 

 waste places. 



The habit is erect. The stem is smooth, shining, 

 rather succulent. The leaves are elliptic to ovate, 



