SINGLE FUCHSIA. 



Fuchsia ffraeifix. 



HE fuchsia is too modern a 

 flower to have a great history, 

 but what is known of it his- 

 torically is full of interest. 

 Strictly speaking, it is not so 

 modern as is generally sup- 

 posed, for it begins with the 

 adventures of Father Pluinier, 

 who was born at Marseilles 

 in 1646. At the age of six- 

 teen Charles Plumier was 

 admitted to the religious order 

 of Minims, and under the 

 training of Father Maignan 

 he soon became an expert 

 mathematician and a practical 

 turner. He wrote a remark- 

 able book on the art of turn- 

 ing, and might have continual turning and calculating, 

 save that he had injured his health by too close application, 

 and turned to the study of botany for occupation and rest. 

 He soon became a master of this science, and the friend of 

 the tyreat botanist Tournefort. Three several voyages he 



