PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 55 



one of our specimens there are two umbels on one stalk, 

 the first placed half-way up, the second on the top ; but 

 the partial stalks of the lower one are sufficiently long to 

 elevate the flowers to a level with the upper ones. This 

 variety is the P. elatior of Dr HOOKER'S Fl. Xond., ac- 

 cording to SMITH ; and probably also of Dr GREVILLE, 

 Fl. Edin. 48, though, the description is somewhat con- 

 fused. 



The root of this favourite flower is said to be a safe and 

 effectual emetic ; but the poet has made more use of the 

 plant than the physician. We present our readers with a 

 sonnet of CLARE, 



" How sweet thy modest unaffected pride 

 Glows on the sunny bank and woods' warm side ! 



And where thy fairy flowers in groups are found, 

 The school-boy roams enchantedly along, 



Plucking the fairest with a rude delight : 

 While the meek shepherd stops his simple song, 



To gaze a moment on the pleasing sight ; 

 O'erjoyed to see the flowers that truly bring 

 The welcome news of sweet returning Spring." 



2. P. veris, leaves toothed, wrinkled, contracted towards the 

 middle; stalk many flowered; limb of the corolla concave. 

 Cowslip. 



Halt. Meadows and deans, common. April, May. Ij. 



A beautiful and well known plant, in whose bells the fancy 

 of SHAKSPEARE has found ; a fitting bower ' for the Fairy 

 Queen, and which she has ornamented as a favourite re- 

 sidence. 



" The Cowslips tall her pensioners be; 



In their gold coats spots you see; 



Those be rubies, fairy favours. 



In those freckles live then- savours. 

 I must go seek some dew-drops here, 

 And hang a pearl in every cowslip's ear." 



66. MENYANTHES. 



1. M. trifoliate leaves ternate ; flowers spiked, white dashed 

 with pink, the disk of the corolla densely shaggy. Buckbean. 

 Huh. Marshes and bogs, frequent. June, July. If. 



