NATIVE WILD FLOWERS 



sunny spots, on moderately sandy soil, on open wastes by 

 the wayside, or at the edge of the partly cleared forest, it 

 expands its soft purple sometimes rose-colored flowers, 

 often mingled promiscuously with the white blossoms of the 

 Wild Strawberry and creeping Early Everlasting. The 

 lovely winged flowers gladden the eye of the traveller when 

 as yet but few blossoms have ventured to brave the late 

 frosts that ofttimes nip the fair promise of the spring. 

 No wonder that we watch with pleasure for the re- 

 ippearing of our little floral gem, as in the old times we 

 did for the bright golden varnished flowers of the Smaller 

 Celandine, that starred the green turfy banks in our 

 English lanes, opening so gaily to the ruffling winds and 

 sunshine on bright March mornings. Some of the peasants 

 and old writers call the little Celandines " Kingcups," and 

 I have often fancied that Shakespeare was thinking of this 

 sweet spring flower when he wrote his charming song, 

 " Hark, the Lark at Heaven's Gate Sings," 



" And winking Mary -buds begin 



To ope their golden eyes ; 

 With all the things that pretty bin, 

 My lady sweet, arise." 



Mary-golds, which some suppose the poet meant by 

 Mary-buds, have little poetical charm about them, not 

 being associated with the Lark as a wild spring flower. It 

 is more than probable it was the gay little Celandine that 

 he thus immortalizes with his sweet song. 



The larger form of our Flowering Wintergreen is found 

 somewhat later in May in the woods, and is known by the 

 settlers as " Satin-flower." It would make a pretty border 

 plant, and from its early flowering would be a great 

 acquisition to our gardens. 



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