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pratense) ; Shining Crane's-bill (Geranium lucidum) ; 

 and Jagged Leaved Crane's-bill (Geranium dissectum), a 

 numerous family, varying, perhaps, more in foliage than in 

 flower. At intervals, towering above all these to the height 

 of three or four feet, rises the Purple Foxglove (Digitalis 

 purpured}. The pale purple flowers are spotted within, 

 and hang in spiky clusters ten or twelve inches long. But 

 the whole plant is so well known as to need no description. 

 It is said to have received its proper name from its 

 resemblance to a thimble (digitabuluni). Very appropriate 

 are most of the names of our common wayside flowers ; 

 although some which have been christened by our remote 

 ancestors, whose language has fallen somewhat into 

 desuetude, are not always understood. If any change, 

 however, should be thought of, I humbly protest against 

 permitting scientific botanists having any part or share in 

 bringing it about. The matter should be left entirely to a 

 conclave of poets, who would prove most efficient botanical 

 nomenclators. As a proof of their appreciative qualities, 

 take as an example what old Cowley says of the Digitalis : 



"The foxglove on fair Flora's hand is worn, 

 Lest, while she gather flowers, she meet a thorn." 



As the summer advances, some rough stony places 

 produce the Yellow Toad Flax (Linaria vulgaris), 

 which, next to the Foxglove, is perhaps the most imposing 

 plant in the lane. The pale yellow spurred flowers are in 

 dense spikes ; and its narrow, grass-like leaves, are pale 

 green. This, as well as the Foxglove, still finds a place in 

 our Pharmacopoeias, but great care should be exercised in 

 the use of it. Then we have the Silver Weed (Potentilla 



