CATCHFLY FAMILY. 91 



The prettiest flower in this Genus, and the pride of 

 the meadow, in its richest season of gay blooms, is, 

 the " MEADOW PINK," (Lychnis Flos-cuculi) with its 

 rose-colored Petals, deeply fringed, hanging gracefully 

 over its delicate Calyx, and Stalk, which are shaded 

 with red. The Stem is 1 2 feet high, and sticky 

 above. If you wish to procure specimens, search for 

 it (in watery meadows) as soon as it begins to flower ; 

 one day's delay may be too late ; for it blossoms just 

 as the grass is ready for the scythe ; and what looks 

 so fresh and gay to-day, is, to-morrow " cut down, 

 dried up, and withered away." 



" Farewell, the meadows, where such various showers, 

 Of beauty lurk'd amongst the fragrant hay ; 

 Where Orchis bloom' d with freak' d and spotted flowers ! 

 And Lychnis blooming like the new-born day." 



MRS. C. SMITH. 



The beautiful CORNCOCKLE, (whose name Agros- 

 temina Githago signifies " Crown of the field,") has 

 large flowers, of a rich lilac ; and stands two feet high, 

 with woolly, leathery leaves and stalk, difficult to break 

 except at the joints. The Plant is so different from 

 any other, and so true to the character of this Order, 

 that you will readily know its name when you find it. 



