GORSE, CHICKWEED 



the cherry, but it must not be supposed that they are all 

 alike. The differences are very interesting and curious. 



Thus, for example, plants of our common Gorse, furze, or 

 whin may be found in bloom at almost every season of the 

 year. There are at least four seasons when there is that 

 tremendous display of golden blossom which made the great 

 Linnaeus fall on his knees and burst into tears. These are 

 about the 22nd March, 24th May, 15th August, and 

 21st November ; yet there are enough odd flowers blooming 

 in almost every month to give some cause for the saying, 

 " The gorse is out of bloom when kissing is out of favour." 

 The last practice, though uncleanly and dangerous, not only 

 on general grounds, but on account of bacterial germs which 

 may be transferred, has been authoritatively condemned in 

 the United States, but it is still more or less popular in 

 other countries at all seasons. 



The Chickweed and some other of our annual weeds show 

 a hardy disregard of climate. Its seeds germinate and grow 

 at any time, so that flowers and seeds can be formed when- 

 ever there is a spell of favourable weather. Now one chick- 

 weed can produce 3000 seeds. Suppose that there are only 

 five generations in the year, which is a very low estimate. 

 Then one seed of chickweed might produce 3000 x 3000 x 

 3000 X 3000 individuals in one season ! 



Other plants show much the same tendency. In fine 

 warm autumns a great many annuals bloom a second time. 

 It is on record that forty-four spring species bloomed in one 

 warm November. At the Cape and in other warm climates 

 many of our annuals do not die at the end of autumn, but 

 go on growing. They become perennial. 



It is even possible to make a Tree Mignonette by pinching 

 off* the flower-buds, though this plant is usually an annual. 



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