120 POPULAR GARDEN FLOWERS 



water-collector, in allusion to the capacity of the flower 

 for holding water. 



We see that in the case of both scientific and popular 

 names there is fine scope for learned controversy, but it 

 is probable that modern flower-lovers will be disposed 

 to confine their discussions to the relative merits of the 

 varieties. 



The poets have dealt richly with the Columbine. 

 John Clare, the peasant rhymer, who was for a short 

 period an under-gardener at Burghley, and who died in 

 the Northampton lunatic asylum in 1864, included it in 

 some charming verse on old-fashioned flowers : 



" The Columbines, stone blue, or deep night brown, 

 Their honeycomb-like blossoms hanging down ; 

 Each cottage garden's fond adopted child, 

 Though heaths still claim them, where they yet grow wild." 



Let us recall, too, John Skelton, the satirical poet, 

 once Rector of Diss, in Norfolk, who was bold enough 

 to make a fierce attack on the all-powerful Cardinal 

 Wolsey in "Why come ye not to Courte?" In 

 " Phyllyp Spar owe " he cries : 



" She is the Vyolet, 

 The Daysy delectable, 

 The Columbine commendable 

 The lelofer amyable." 



Spenser uses the delightful comparison : 



" Her nekke lyke to a bounch of Cullambynes." 



Shakespeare refers to the Columbine in "Love's 

 Labour's Lost " : 



Armado. Peace ! 



The armipotent Mars, of lances the almighty, 

 Gave Hector a gift, the heir of Ilion ; 

 A man so breathed that certain he would fight ; yea, 

 From morn till night, out of his pavilion. 



