74 GARDEN FLOWERS. 



dula stellata.) The common species grows wild 

 in fields and vineyards in Italy, and pretty 

 generally in cixltivated lands tlirongliout the 

 countries at the south of Europe. It is called 

 by the French, soiici du jardin, and by the 

 Germans goldblume. It is still mingled by 

 cottagers with soup and broth, but was once 

 much more generally used for that purpose. 

 The idea that it tended to " comfort the heart 

 and spirits," rec^ommended it not only as a 

 medicine, but induced good housewives to dry 

 its yellow petals as a store for Avinter. Its 

 t)ropertios are sudorific, and it was deemed a 

 preventive to infection. A distilled water, a 

 conserve, and a kind of vinegar, are still ob- 

 tained from its blossoms, but its young leaves 

 are not now eaten as they formerly were for 

 salads. 



Our old poets call this flower gokle and mary 

 budde, as Avell as marigold. This last name it 

 received from the absurd and popular tradition 

 that the virgin Mary wore the flower in her 

 bosom. 



Elliott alludes to the use which the cottae;ers 

 make of the marigold. 



" There is a flower, the housewife knows it well." 



And thus describes its closing during wet 

 weather : — 



" It hoards no dew-drops, like the cups of May, 

 But rich as sunset, wlien tlie rain is o'er, 

 Spreads flaming petals from a burning core ; 

 Which, if morn weep, their sorrowing buds upfold 

 To wake and brighten when bright noon is near." 



