40 FAMILIAR WILD FLOWERS. 



The sepals of the calyx are two in number, and, as in the 

 other poppies, fall off on the opening of the flower. In 

 our figure it will be seen that one has already fallen, and 

 the expanding bud will rapidly throw off the remaining 

 half. The corolla is composed of four petals ; these are very 

 delicate and fragile-looking, and very crumpled in sur- 

 face, especially when first unrolled from the bud. The 

 whole plant quickly fades when gathered. The flowers, 

 differing in this respect from most of the other poppies, 

 have a pleasant odour. The generic name, Meconopsis, of the 

 mountain poppy is derived from two Greek words, signifying 

 poppy and resemblance. The plant differs slightly in 

 botanical structure from the better-known species, and is 

 put, therefore, into another genus; and we find Parkinson 

 giving it the title of the "yellow wild bastard poppy of 

 Wales." The modern specific name, Camlrica, clearly 

 indicates the association of the plant with Wales, on the soil 

 of which, as we have seen, it seems best to flourish. 



