10 



Magnificent ruffs, a yard wide, were in vogue in those days, 

 so that the quantity required for the laundry would be 

 something prodigious. 



Early in May the lane produces the pearly star-like 

 blossoms of the. Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria Holostea), 

 its long narrow leaves for some time previously having 

 given notice of its coming. It is a very pretty flower of 

 five petals, each cleft to the middle, with golden anthers, 

 and a stem twelve or fifteen inches high. The Smaller 

 Stitchwort (Stellaria graminea), makes its appearance 

 about a month later. In May, too, we have that favourite 

 the Germander Speedwell (Veronica Chamcedrys), with its' 

 brilliant blue flowers, veined with a darker shade, and its 

 egg-shaped wrinkled leaves. Long before the Chinese leaf 

 found its way into our land, our ancestors drank Speedwell 

 tea. The infusion was said to strengthen and refresh the 

 frame. It is by no means.an unpalatable beverage, though 

 it might not now be approved of as a daily drink, by a 

 committee of lady connoisseurs. We also find at this time 

 scattered here and there, solitary specimens of the Cuckoo- 

 flower (Cardamine pratensis), with its pale lilac or pinky 

 flowers. 



In June, the Red Campion (Lychnis diurna), appears 

 in great force, bearing loose panicles of blossoms, varying 

 slightly in tint, according to situation and age ; while its 

 relative the White Campion (Lychnis vespertina), is in 

 less abundance and solitary. The last emits a pleasant 

 odour as the evening dews fall on its petals. Several 

 of the Crane's-bills may be mentioned here : Herb 

 Robert (Geranium Robertianum) ; Dove's-foot Crane's-bill, 

 (Geranium molle] ; Meadow Crane's-bill (Geranium 



