326 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



Enfringed with an empurpled blue, 



And streaked with young Pomona's green. 



High o'er the pointal, deck'd with gold, 

 (Emblem mysterious to behold), 

 A radiant cross its form expands ; 

 Its opening arms appear t' embrace 

 The whole collective human race, 

 Refuge of all men in all lands !" 



PERWINKLE. 



VINCA. 



VINCE.E. PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



French, pervenche; pucellage; violette des sorciers [magicians' 

 violet] ; vence. Italian., pervinca ; centocchio [hundred-eyes]. 



THE Perwinkle is a lovely plant : its blue flowers are in 

 bloom all the summer, and its fine glossy green leaves, like 

 large myrtle-leaves, flourish through the winter. It spreads 

 so fast, and in consequence requires so much room, that it 

 is seldom grown in pots; but it may be preserved very 

 well in that manner, if room can be allowed for it. In a 

 moist soil, and enjoying the morning sun, it thrives and 

 flowers best. 



ff Through primrose tufts in that sweet bower, 



The periwinkle trailed its wreaths ; 

 And 'tis my faith that every flower 

 Enjoys the air it breathes." 



WORDSWORTH. 



The Madagascar Perwinkle is a beautiful plant, with 

 an upright stem, three or four feet high : the flowers are 

 crimson or peach-coloured on the upper surface, and a pale 

 flesh-colour on the under : it varies with a white flower, 

 having a purple eye. This plant is usually kept in the 

 stove, but the temperature of a warm inhabited room will 



