NEW VARIETIES OF DAISIES (BELLIS PERENNIS). 



THE generic name Bellis is stated in fabulous history to be derived 

 from the circumstance of Belides, a grand-daughter to Danaus, and 

 one of the nymphs called Dryads, that presided over the meadows and 

 pastures in ancient times. Belides is said to have encouraged the suit 

 ofEphigeus; but, whilst dancing on the grass with this rural deity, 

 she attracted the admiration of Vertumnus, who, just as he was about 

 to seize her in his embrace, saw her transformed into the humble plant 

 that now bears her name. 



An old astrological writer informs us that this plant is under the sign 

 Cancer, and under the dominion of Venus, and therefore good to cure 

 all the pains caused by the fair goddess, particularly those of the 

 breast : hence it becomes all the lack-a-daisy swains to give thanks 

 that this plant is so bountifully provided as a remedy. 



The name Bellis is now deduced from the Latin bellus, handsome, or 

 pretty. Others are of opinion that it was called Bellis a hello, from its 

 being found useful in the field of battle to heal the wounds of soldiers, 

 and on which account it has also been called Consolida. The name 

 Daisy is derived from a Saxon word : it means Day's-eye, in allusion 

 to the flower expanding when the sun rises upon it and closes at 

 sunset. 



. In France the flowers are called Paguerettes, because the blossoms 

 appear most abundant at the approach of P agues (Easter). The plant, 

 too, is named Marguerite (Pearl), and by some Pearl of the Day. It 

 is stated, St. Louis took for a device on his ring a Daisy and a Lily, in 

 allusion to the name of the queen his wife, and to the arms of France, 

 to which he added a sapphire, on which a crucifix was engraved ; the 

 motto, " That it held all he counted most dear," viz., " Religion, 

 France, and his spouse." 



We do not recollect any flower that we could introduce as our first 



Vol. xix. No. 49.— N.S. B 



