22 WILD FLOWERS OF SCOTLAND 



called nemorosa because it is found in woods, and 

 anemone because it is found in windy places. 

 Thus we get the singular combination " anemone 

 nemorosa," which seems rather a contradiction in 

 terms. The wood is still. The woodland storm 

 no more troubles the sheltered glades where the 

 anemones dwell, than the lash of waves reaches 

 the depths of ocean. Far overhead the wind 

 bends the topmost branches, and sings a spiritual- 

 ised version of the ruder song of the sea. Those 

 who find it growing in the wilds may call it 

 anemone, and those who come upon the self -same 

 plant in the woods may call it nemorosa ; and both 

 will then be satisfied. 



The wood anemone creeps up the hillsides. On 

 that playground of theirs the breezes deal gently 

 with their favourite, fanning it into healthy 

 motion, without scattering its loose flower. There 

 it may chance to meet a sister. 



The blue mountain anemone takes wood or open 

 with equal thanks. No other anemones grow wild 

 in Scotland. The summer pasque flower keeps to 

 the chalk downs, of which we have none. 



At much the same time, in much the same places 

 as the anemone, appears the primrose ; at least it 

 shares the shadier half of the wind flower's domain. 



