THE EVENING PRIMROSE. 



so complete. This circumstance prevented the first observers 



from accurately ap- 

 prehending the com- 

 position and true de- 

 velopment of the 

 calyx. There are 

 cases, nevertheless, in 

 which Nature the 



FIG. 44. Rose of Bengal. COqUCttC ! Suffers 



herself to be surprised, if her lover have patience. As an ex- 

 ample we shall cite the monophyllous calyx of the OEnotherae. 



Let us take the species known as (Enothera biennis. It 

 belongs, with the fuchsia, circsea, trapa, and others, to the 

 Evening Primrose family, or Onograceae. 



Its pale yellow blossoms are unfolded during the hush of 

 evening-time in almost every garden, shedding abroad on the 

 breeze its delicate but delicious odour. Its petals open in a 

 remarkable manner. The calyx, as we shall see, has small 

 hooks attached to its upper extremity, by which it holds the 

 flower together before expansion. The calicinal divisions 

 gradually unfold at the lower part, and reveal the yellow 

 flower, which remains awhile closed at the upper parts of 

 the hooks. The flower then suddenly opens half-way, when 

 it stops ; afterwards completing its expansion gradually, and 

 finally opening with a loud noise. 



This curious plant is of American origin, and was un- 

 known in our country until 1674, when it was introduced by 

 some French floriculturists. 



