354 COMPOSITE. 



texture is like that of the flowers called "Everlasting ;" 

 hence, they scarcely alter their appearance when dead, 

 and as the whole plant is remarkably durable, they 

 often retain their form and position till the succeeding 

 spring. In Germany, France, and Italy, the large white 

 flower of one species, C. acaulis, is often nailed upon 

 cottage-doors, by way of a hygrometer, as it closes before 

 rain. Fl. June. Biennial. 



21. CENTAUR^A (Knap-weed, Blue-bottle). 



1. C. nigra (Black Knap-weed). Outer scales of the 

 involucre egg-shaped, fringed with spreading bristles ; 

 lower leaves toothed, often with a few small lobes at the 

 base, upper narrow, tapering ; flowers with or without 

 a ray \ pappus very short, tufted. Meadows and corn- 

 fields ; common. A tough-stemmed plant, 1 2 feet 

 high, with heads of dull purple flowers, which are re- 

 markable for the brown, or almost black, hue of the 

 scales of the involucre. This plant is popularly known 

 by the name of Hard-head. Fl. June August. Per- 

 ennial. 



2. C. Scabiosa (Greater Knap-weed). Outer scales of 

 the involucre egg-shaped, somewhat downy, fringed ; 

 leaves pinnatifid, roughish, segments tapering to a point. 

 Meadows and corn-fields ; common. Larger and 

 stouter than the last, from which it is distinguished by 

 the brighter hue of its handsome radiate flowers, and 

 the light-coloured fringe on the scales of the involucre. 

 Fl. July, August. Perennial. 



3. C. Cyanus (Corn Blue-bottle). Outer scales of the 

 involucre deeply toothed ; leaves very narrow, slightly 

 toothed, cottony. Corn-fields ; frequent. One of the 

 prettiest of flowers, and well meriting the distinctive 

 name, often given to it, of Corn-flower. The flowers are 

 bright blue, with dark anthers, and when mixed with 

 Poppies and yellow Ox-daisies, form as brilliantly- 

 coloured a bouquet as can be imagined. Children often 



