FOXGLOVE SNAPDRAGON. 211 



Richmond. Its stem and scales are of ivory white, the latter 

 overlap one another, and look like rows of teeth at the base of 

 the stem. The flowers are pendulous, and of a delicate lilac 

 colour ; the lower lip is in three segments, the upper lip cloven. 

 My specimen was in bloom in April. 



We now come to a pretty numerous order that of the FIG- 

 WOETS. Many of these have handsome flowers, and some are 

 useful. Our friend the Foxglove (Digitalis purpiirea, Plate 

 XIII., fig. 4), has both these recommendations. The beauty 

 of its crimson bells none will dispute, and a valuable medicine 

 is procured from it, which, however, needs to be administered 

 by medical care, as its effect is weakening and even paralysing 

 if taken incautiously. Sir Walter Scott pleases to regard it as 

 an emblem of pride, and certainly it has a good right to be 

 vain of its appearance. 



" Foxglove and Nightshade side by side, 

 Emblems of punishment and pride, 

 Grouped their dark hues with every stain 

 The weather-beaten crags retain." 



Edward has specimens from Kent, where the plant grows in 

 great luxuriance. Nor does it stint its favours on our York- 

 shire moors, all Britain rejoices in its patronage. 



The Snapdragon family succeeds that of the Foxglove. 

 county boasts the Greater Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus, 

 Plate XIIL,fig. 5), the most showy member of the f 

 It grows freely on old walls about Richmond, and on the ruins 

 of Jervaulx and Fountains Abbey. The corolla in all this 

 family is of the form called gaping ; some species have spurs, 

 but this and one other are without them. The flowers are 

 large and gay, of a bright rose colour with yellow between the 

 lips. The leaves are a narrow lance-shape. 



The Ivy -leaved Snapdragon, or Mother o'Millions, flourishes 

 on the same old walls, decorating the ruins of Richmond Castle 

 and Easby Abbey, as well as those above mentioned. The 

 leaves are bright dark green, and lined with purple ; the small 

 lilac flowers are solitary upon long footstalks. 



