CHAP. 4. 6. OF PROGNOSTICKS. 155 



number of species belong. Dividing then the 

 reign of the Goddess of Blooms into six prin- 

 cipal portions, we shall begin with the first in the 

 order of phaenomena. The 



PRIMAVERAL FLORA 

 (or Equinoctial Flora) may be said to com- 

 mence with the first breaking of the frost 

 before February ; it comprehends the Snow- 

 drop, the Crocus, the Coltsfoot, all the tribe of 

 Daffodils, Narcissi, Jonquils, and Hyacinths, 

 the Primrose, Cyclamen, Heartsease, Violet, 

 Cowslip, Crown Imperial, and many others. 

 The Equinox being also passed, and the leaves 

 beginning to bud forth amidst a display of 

 blossoms on the trees, another period may be 

 said to begin, and May ushers in the 



VERNAL FLORA, 



with Tulips, Poeonias, Ranunculi, Monkey 

 Poppy, Goatsbeards, and others : at this time 

 the fields are bespangled with the golden 

 yellow of the Crowfoot, or blue with the 

 Harebells. The whole bosom of earth seems 

 spread with a beautiful carpet to soften the 

 path of Flora, at this delicious season. By and 

 by towards the middle of June, the approach 

 of the Solstice is marked by another set of 

 flowers; and the Scarlet Lichnis, the various 



