AUTUMNAL FLOWERS. 283 



have a bell-form corolla. The various species of VACCINITJM, 

 of which the whortleberry is an example, are now in blossom ; 

 the woods are ornamented by the snowy white cornus, or dog- 

 wood flowers. 



In the early part of June the foliage of the trees usually 

 appears in perfection ; among the earliest are the willow, 

 poplar, and alder ; next are the bass-wood ; horse-chesnut, the 

 oak, beech, ash, walnut and mulberry, which are not all usually 

 in full leaf before the middle of June. 



At the summer solstice,* a new race of blossoms appears ; 

 as the roses, pinks, and lilies, with many other exotics. The 

 Iris is found in stagnant waters and in gardens. Among na- 

 tive plants we now find the ASCLEPIAS, or milk-weed, afford- 

 ing a good example of the class Gynandria. The little bell- 

 flower (CAMPANULA), may be seen nodding over the brows of 

 the rocks. 



The brilliant laurel (KALMIA), is now in bloom, also the 

 mullein, affording a good illustration of the class Pentandria. 

 The climbing virgin's-bower (CLEMATIS), hangs in graceful 

 clusters of white flowers from the boughs of shrubs and trees. 

 The curious side-saddle-flower (SARRACENIA), which was de- 

 scribed under the class Polyandria, is now to be found in 

 swamps and wet grounds. 



More flowers are in blossom about the time of the summer 

 solstice, than during any period of the year, until the blossom- 

 ing of the autumnal plants. The hot breath of summer seems 

 to wither the expanded flowers, the earlier ones fade away, 

 and the late ones do not immediately come forward ; it would 

 seem as if the earth, having poured forth for so long a time in 

 rapid succession, innumerable treasures, now required a sus- 

 pension of her efforts ; but with recovered energy, she soon 

 begins to spread forth new beauties in great profusion and 

 brilliancy. 



LECTURE XL. 



Autumnal Flowers. Evergreens. Ancient Superstition re- 

 specting Plants. Various Phenomena of Plants. 



THE autumnal flowers, are, mostly, in appearance, unlike 

 those which we find in the earlier part of the season. Few 



* When the sun is at the tropic of Cancer. 



Blossoms appearing at the summer solstice What effect does the heat of 

 summer have upon flowers Autumnal flowers. 



