98 STORIES OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS 



Mallow, that takes its walk through the marshes 

 in August, could meet in the same Flower 

 Market? 



44 No ; the Flower Market begins in late Feb- 

 ruary or early March, when the monk of the 

 swamps, the Skunk Cabbage, pushes his pointed 

 hood through the gaps in the snow, and it lasts 

 until Witch Hazel receives its messenger, who^ 

 comes so late that it cannot cast the seed abroad 

 until another spring. 



"One week, the Violets call, 4 We are ready,' to 

 the little white Anemones that are so shy that 

 they hang their heads if Gheezis does not smile 

 at them, and they hold the Market ; then the trees 

 of forest and river-banks take their turn. Next 

 come the orchards ; then the festival moves down 

 among the meadow grasses ; next the marsh ferns 

 claim it." 



44 Trees ! grasses ! ferns ! " said Tommy- Anne, 

 in astonishment; 44 I never thought that they 

 belonged in the Flower Market." 



44 And why not? Do you know what a flower 

 is, little House Child ? " 



44 Of course I do," she answered, rather indig- 

 nantly. 44 It is a lovely thing that grows on a 

 plant, and it is made of coloured leaves, and some 

 flowers smell very sweet, and some sour, and 



