56 , YELLOW GOAT's-BEARD. 



near Wliallcy in Lancashire, when lie visited 

 that neighbourhood. 



Both the species are among the most re- 

 gular indices of the horologe of Flora, and 

 so invariably do they close their purple and 

 yellow petals at noon-day, that they are best 

 knoAVTi by the familiar appellation of "go 

 to bed at noon." It is very pleasant to rest 

 awhile upon the bank where they are grow- 

 ing, to hear the rustling of the wind among 

 the aged trees that shade the sparkling 

 waters of Holy- well ; 



To lay one down 

 Upon the thymy bank where wild floAvers grow, 

 And the tall corn is rustling in the breeze, 

 Till Flora's clock, the goat's-beard, tells the hour, 

 And closing, says, — " Arise ! the noon is come." 



Others which rank amongst Flora's watches 

 also grow there ; the corn sow-thistle, so 

 dear to weai-y labourers, because it follows 



