32 FLOWERS. 



half way, being still partially restrained by the calyx ; 

 it then continues to expand gradually for some time, 

 when it finally opens with a 

 slight noise. This occupies 

 about fifteen minutes, and may 

 be witnessed upon almost any 

 summer's evening. 



There are also other plants 

 of this description, which 

 are found growing in many 

 parts of the world. The Mar- 

 vel of Peru has been termed 

 by the French, " Belle de nuit," 

 Cyme, Eider. on acc ount of this peculiarity; 



and the night-winds of India are laden with the 

 odors of the large blue, lilac, or white blossoms of 

 plants of so magnificent an appearance as to entitle 

 them to the appellation of the " Grlory of the night." 

 Some plants, the flowers of which 

 bloom many days in succession, close 

 their petals during the night, while 

 in others the leaves double them- 

 selves over the blossoms to shelter 

 them from the cold dews. LinnaBus, 

 the celebrated Swedish naturalist, 

 termed this u the sleep of plants;" 

 and there is little doubt that nearly 

 all are more or less affected by it, 

 except those whose habits resemble 

 the Primrose. Compound leaves, or 

 Panicle of Grass, such as are composed of many small 



