CATCHFLY FAMILY. 95 



' Tis a spell, whose high magic all nature confesses, 

 "With wonder or envy, but none may define, 



Save he, who the talisman's treasure possesses, 

 Oh Christian, this hallow* d enchantment is thine." 



(MS.) ANNA J. VIDAL. 



I must now give a description of the smallest plant 

 in this genus ; and, as written by one, who in all her 

 delightful works on Natural History, discovers so much 

 beauty even in the structure of the minutest objects, 

 and ever leads us to turn, with a grateful heart to join 

 in singing the praises of their Creator. 



CHICKWEED. " Stellaria media." 



" Each of its polished stems upholds a bud in diffe- 

 rent stages of verdure, or of decay. In some, the 

 starry, white Corollas, are fully exposed to the sun : 

 in others, which also stand upright, the white Petals 

 have fallen off, and the four-sided, and light green 

 capsules, appear conspicuous ; in others again, the 

 stalk assumes a curved form, and the capsule bends 

 towards the earth. Look at it when thus reversed, 

 what a curious shape ! what a wonderful arrange- 

 ment ! Growing frequently on places exposed to 

 fierce winds, and heavy showers, a peculiar provision 

 is required for the protection of the seed. Observe 



