32 
FLOWERS. 
half way, being still partially restrained by the calyx ; 
it then continues to expand gradually for some time, 
Cyme, Elder. 
when it finally opens with a 
slight noise. This occupies 
about fifteen minutes, and may 
be witnessed upon almost any 
summer’s evening. 
There are also other plants 
of this description, which 
are found growing in many 
parts of the world. The Mar- 
vel of Peru has been termed 
by the French, “ Belle de nuit,” 
on account of this peculiarity ; 
and the night-winds of India are laden with the 
odors of the large blue, lilac, or white blossoms of 
plants of so magnificent an appearance as to entitle 
them to the appellation of the “Glory of the night.” 
Panicle of Grass. 
Some plants, the flowers of which 
bloom many days in succession, close 
their petals during the night, while 
in others the leaves double them- 
selves over the blossoms to shelter 
them from the cold dews. Linnzeus, 
the celebrated Swedish naturalist, 
termed this “the sleep of plants;” 
and there is little doubt that nearly 
all are more or less affected by it, 
except those whose habits resemble 
the Primrose. Compound leaves, or 
such as are composed of many small 
