red WILD FLOWERS 



for freedom and justice. Columbine is derived from 

 the Latin, columba — a dove. Dr. Prior likens the 

 resemblance of its spurs to the heads of pigeons in a 

 ring around a dish, which was a favourite device of 

 ancient artists. The national flower sympathizers, 

 however, apply the dove significance to our olive 

 branch of peace, with the long spurs imitating the horn 

 of plenty and the liberty cap. There is some uncer- 

 tainty regarding the meaning of the scientific name. 

 One account states that it is from aquilegus, or water 

 drawing, while another says that it is aquila y an eagle, 

 and that the five long pointed spurs of the flower re- 

 semble the talons of this bird. And here again is seen 

 the application of the emblem of our glorious country in 

 a national flower. Stretching the imagination still 

 further, the long red spurs are said to resemble the 

 red stripes of " Old Glory," and that our national 

 colours are represented in red, white and blue flowered 

 species occuring in different parts of the country. It 

 is the state flower of Colorado. It will be recalled that 

 Columbine was also the name of Harlequin's sweet- 

 heart in pantomime. The dangling buds are strongly 

 suggestive of old-fashioned drop earrings. On account 

 of the nectar contained in the spurs, the flowers are 

 especially attractive to humming birds, and they are 

 often found hovering above them. 



The Wild Columbine loves to frequent the sunny, 

 rocky slopes and ledges in open woods where the soil 

 is sparse and well drained. It often prospers with 

 barely sufficient earth to cover its roots, and causes 



12 



