34 WILD FLOWERS. 



in a small apartment, have, in several instances, 

 caused convulsions. The leaves of the violet 

 are frequently applied to bruises ; and the flower 

 was so liighly esteemed as a remedy for weak 

 lungs, that a conserve, called violet sugar, or 

 violet plate, Avas, in the time of Charles ii., sold 

 by apothecaries, and continually recommended 

 by physicians, to their consumptive patients. 

 A decoction of the heartsease, which is a species 

 of violet, is still much used as a medicine on 

 the continent. The violet imparts its colour 

 also to liquids, and vinegar derives not only a 

 brilliant tint, but a sweet odour, from having 

 violets steeped in it. It is, howevei', from its 

 beauty and scent as a wild flower, that the violet 

 will ever derive its chief attraction. It has 

 been said, that " the wise read nature as the 

 manuscript of Heaven," and we may trace a 

 legible handwriting of the Great Creator, even 

 in the lowliest blossom that the Divine Hand 

 has streaked and pencilled. 



" The coy anemone that ne'er uncloses 

 Her leaves until they're blown on by the wind," 



is now coming into blossom. The wood anem- 

 one (Anonone nemorosa) is generally com- 

 mon in England, yet unknown in many parts 

 of Essex, and some other counties. The 

 old name of wind-flower is still retained in 

 France, where it is called Vherbe au vent ; and 

 its English name is taken from anemos, which 

 the ancients gave it, because its delicate flowers 

 quivered in the fierce breezes of March, and 

 its shining seeds were carried about on the air. 



