CALYCIFLOR^ 215 



The cah'x is half inferior, adherent to about the 

 middle of the ovary, the lobes blunt, half as long as 

 the petals. The petals are large, inversely ovate to 

 oblong, two to three times as long as the calyx-lobes, 

 which are erect. The stigmas are large, kidney- 

 shaped. The capsule has slender beaks. 



The flowers are in bloom in May and June. The 

 plant is a herbaceous perennial, 6 to 12 in. high. 



Honey is secreted by the outer \vall of the ovary and 

 generally exposed. Many insects visit the flowers. 

 The anthers are ripe first. The flowers thus stand 

 a good chance of being cross-pollinated by insects. 



The capsule opens above, and the small seeds are 

 jerked out by the wind. 



The Meadow Saxifrage is known in various parts 

 by the names Billy Button, Cuckoo-flower, Fair 

 Maid of France, First of May, Thirlestane Grass, 

 Lady's Pincushion, Pretty Maids, Sassifax, Saxifer, 

 Saxifrage, White Saxifrage, Sengreen, Stone-break. 



In Devon the Saxifrage is known as Bird^s Eye, 

 but this refers to the London Pride, a garden flower, 

 rare in the wild state. In the same county it is 

 called " Garden gates," and ** Kiss me, love, behind 

 the garden door,^' or simply " Meet me, love." 



Saxifraga granulata. — The Frontispiece sJiows the 

 habitat of the Meadow Saxifrage and also the habit, and 

 the form of the flower. 



