MYSTICISM IN THE PLANT WORLD 
Flowers are still extensively used as signs 
and symbols. There are ponderous volumes 
written on the “Language of Flowers.” All the 
garden beauties have a natural symbolism writ- 
ten on their faces. Rosemary, with its lingering 
colour, is an eternal emblem of remembrance. 
“Violets dim but sweeter than the lids of Juno’s 
eyes or Cytherea’s breath” speak of modesty in 
quiet tones. The spotless Lily must always stand 
for purity. 
Other floral symbols have been chosen for 
more remote but quite apparent characteristics. 
Impatience is indicated by the Balsam seed- 
pods, which, when ripe, curl up at the slightest 
touch, and shoot forth their seeds with great 
violence. A popular name for the plant is 
‘“Touch-Me-Not.” The very name of Helio- 
trope tells of its constant turning toward the sun. 
It is often referred to as a symbol of devoted at- 
tachment. Aspen, because of its tremulous mo- 
tion has been made a sign of fear. When people 
think of the Poppy and its narcotic product, 
they likewise think of sleep and oblivion. A 
less apparent symbol is found in the Wild 
Anemone, which is taken to denote brevity be- 
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