96 CATCHFLY FAMILY 



therefore, a small penthouse formed by the Calyx, for 

 the Calyx in this plant is permanent : it may not 

 wither, and fall off, like that of the Poppy, which does 

 not require its assistance. Thus protected, the seed- 

 vessel continues reversed during a few days ; at the 

 end of which time, the stem straightens, and uplifts 

 the seed-vessel to the influence of the sun. Here 

 then another process is discoverable: the Capsule 

 splits into six small divisions at the top ; through 

 which both air and light are freely admitted to the 

 enclosed seeds. When their active ministry is finished, 

 and the seeds are fully ripe, the stem bends again, and 

 empties, as from an urn, the innumerable seeds upon 

 the earth. Thus, does every stem change its position, 

 at least four times, to suit the different stages of 

 growth or of decay. 



This little plant, is another of Flora's Watches. 

 And here also, the spiral wires come into aid. By 

 means of them, the starry, white corolla opens early in 

 the morning, and closes about four in the afternoon. 

 These spiral fibres, are extremely susceptible of any 

 atmospheric changes also, the flowers shut up closely 

 before a coming storm. . . . What sees the stranger 

 in passing by this little plant ? A small and insigni- 

 ficant looking weed, covering the top of an old wall, 



