72 WILD FLOWERS OF SCOTLAND 



there are no other shades. Have I not been writing 

 of pink dog-roses ? Only, when one thinks of sum- 

 mer after it is past, these two separate themselves 

 out from the rest. 



Two summer blues come running ahead of the 

 rest. The speedwell may, or may not, be a pledge 

 of good fortune. That other name of veronica is 

 at once prettier, and more significant. It means 

 the true image. And all who look down upon 

 them must feel that they reflect the sky with 

 wondrous trueness. Among them there are differ- 

 ing shades of purity, and in some the heaven must 

 see itself as in a fairy glass. 



There is a pretty story attached to the name, 

 which gives to the reflection another reference. 

 But in this case I shall overlook the legendary, 

 and abide by what is obvious and natural. 



The veronicas are among the most widely spread 

 of our summer flowers. They grow everywhere, 

 can adapt themselves to any environment, accept 

 light and shadow with equal thanks. They are 

 weeds of the field and garden, root themselves 

 between the joints of our doorstep or the thatch 

 of our roof. 



The common species is by the hot and dusty 

 roadside. The blue rock speedwell grows far above 



