420 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



They are justly termed Papilionaceous, for they do in- 

 deed look like butterflies turned to flowers : 



" Peas of all kinds diffuse their odorous powers 

 Where Nature pencils butterflies on flowers." 



It is sometimes difficult to believe that the little white 

 butterflies which reel about in the sunshine are not white 

 violets or peas which have broken their bonds. It is equally 

 difficult to believe that these flowers want any thing but 

 will to fly : and we almost expect to see them start from 

 their stalks as we look at them. 



Both these fancies are authorised by the poets. 



" In their own bright Kathaian bowers 

 Sparkle such rainbow butterflies, 

 That they might fancy the rich flowers, 

 That round them in the sun lay sighing, 

 Had been by magic all set flying." 



LALLA ROOKH. 



These butterflies, Mr. Moore tells us, are called, in the 

 Chinese language, Flying-leaves. " Some of them," con- 

 tinues he, " have such shining colours, and are so varie- 

 gated, that they may be called Flying-flowers ; and indeed 

 they are always produced in the finest flower-gardens." 



" Here are sweet-peas on tip-toe for a flight, 

 With wings of gentle flush, o'er delicate white, 

 And taper fingers catching at all things 

 To bind them all about with tiny rings." 



KEATS. 



In his Calendar of Nature Mr. Hunt speaks of Sweet- 

 peas, as looking like butterflies turned to flowers. 



In short, it seems scarcely possible not to feel this. They 

 seem only lingering to sip their own honey. 



