Sun-dials 



381 



Andrew Marvell wrote two centuries ago of the 

 floral sun-dials which were the height of the garden- 

 ing mode of his day : 



" How well the skilful gardener drew 



Of flowers and herbs this dial new. 



When from above the milder sun 



Does through a fragrant zodiac run ; 



And as it works the industrious bee 



Computes its time as well as we ! 

 How could such sweet and wholesome hours 

 Be reckoned but with herbs and flowers ! ' ' 



These were sometimes set of diverse flowers, 

 sometimes of Mallows. Two of growing Box are 



The Faithful Gardener. 



described and displayed in the chapter on Box 

 edgings. 



