82 FLOWERS AND FRUITS. 



they are of a bright green on their upper surface and grey on the 

 under, having many transverse veins running from the midrib to 

 the border. The flowers are produced at the top of the stalks, 

 each with its own proper peduncle or footstalk, which is very shori ; 

 and grow in clusters. The flower cup is entire, cut into five deeply 

 parted obtuse segments, and is of a deep purple color. The 

 corolla is made up of five large obtuse petals, of a bright yellow 

 color, concave and surrounding an oval germen, which supports a 

 single style crowned by five slender stigmas, that bend on one side. 

 The stamens are very numerous, longer than the petals and termi- 

 nated by roundish, somewhat inclining to oval, anthers. 



Phillips remarks that this is a desirable plant to cover banks and 

 bare patches beneath trees, since it prospers in the shade, where 

 its fine yellow petals and beautiful chives, headed by sparklike 

 anthers, remind the observer of small wheel-fireworks. Its value 

 is enhanced by its continuance in flower during the greater part 

 of the year, in the conservatory ; but if planted in a warm situation 

 it will thrive in the open air. 



"Come follow Hypericum's golden star, 

 It will lead to where happiness dwells afar, 



With Nature, in peaceful shades; 

 It will lead to the green hill's flowery brow, 

 Of by hedge-row paths in the vales below, 



Or through turfy forest glades. 



"Pluck not her flowers like the saxon maid, 

 Nor anxiously watch if they flourish or fade, 



By the moon of a midsummer eve ; 

 But follow with light steps the golden star, 

 That guides you to treasures more sterling far, 

 Than cities or courts receive." 



