96 



CACTUS GRANDIFLORA, OR NIGHT- BLOWING 

 CEREUS. 



This flower, though very short-lived, is as 

 grand and beautiful as any in the vegetable sys- 

 tem. It is a native of Jamaica and Vera Cruz. 

 It begins to open in the evening, about se- 

 ven o'clock, is in perfection about eleven, and 

 fades about four in the morning ; so that the 

 same flower only continues in perfection about 

 six hours. The calyx when expanded is about 

 a foot in diameter, of a splendid yellow within, 

 and a dark brown without; the petals are 

 many, and of a pure white ; and the great num- 

 ber of recurved stamina, surrounding the style 

 in the centre of the flower, make a grand ap- 

 pearance, to which may be added the fine scent 

 which perfumes the air to a considerable dis- 

 tance. Dr. Darwin gives us the following beau- 

 tiful lilies on this elegant flower : 



" Nymph ! not for thee the radiant day returns, 

 Nymph ! not for thee the golden solstice burns, 

 Refulgent Cerea ! At the dusky hour 

 She seeks, with pensive step the mountain bower, 

 Bright as the blush of rising mom, and warms 

 The dull cold eye of midnight with her charms, 



