314 SHAGREEN. 



ESTHER. 



How does it hold the water? 



MRS. F. 



The lip of the flower is furnished near its base with a yel- 

 low cup, over which hang- two horns, constantly distilling 

 water into it, and in such abundance as to fill it several times. 

 This cup communicates, by a narrow channel, formed of the 

 inflated margin of -the lip, with the upper end of the latter; 

 and this also is a capacious vessel, very much like an old 

 helmet, into which the honey which the cup cannot contain 

 may run over. 



ESTHER. 



What an interesting plant it must be! I should like very 

 much to see it. 



MRS. F. 



We must now prepare for our walk. 



HENRIETTA. 



I see, aunt, that there has been a shower since we have 

 been talking. Perhaps it will be over by the time we have 

 put away our work. 



MRS. F. 

 Who has seen my spectacle case? 



FREDERICK. 



Here it is, aunt: what is it made of? 



MRS. F. 



Of shagreen. 



FREDERICK. 



And what is that? it looks like fish-skin. 



