CHICKWEED. 109 



This little plant is another of Flora's 

 watches ; and here, also, the spiral wires 

 come in aid. By means of them, the starry- 

 white corolla opens early in the morning, 

 and closes about four in the afternoon. The 

 upper leaves too, which grow sitting in pairs 

 on the stem, opposite one the other, and 

 from the bosom of which issue the branches 

 and flowering stalks, each of the latter bear- 

 ing one bud, close over them, when the night 

 draws in, and form a canopy impervious to 

 the rain ; insects are thus also effectually ex- 

 cluded, and the tender flower sleeps securely 

 till the morning. Sleep, how wonderful it 

 is ! What a mighty change passes over this 

 busy, bustling world, during those darksome 

 hours when all the concerns of hfe are still ! 

 The heart of that man must be insensible to 

 the finest emotions of our natm-e, who does 

 not feel somewhat of awe steal over him 

 when abroad at that still season : alone, a 



