CATCHFLY FAMILY. 97 



or springing from interstices where the mortar has 

 fallen out between the stones. What sees the Bota- 

 nist in the simple weed ? An object of great interest ; 

 formed especially for the place it is designed to fill : 

 a memento of the care of its Creator, and not of 

 the plant only, but of numerous winged creatures 

 that depend upon the ripening of its seeds for their 

 support." 



" Look on that Chick-weed, mourner, and list the grateful strain, 

 Of her, who sings to praise Him, 'mid driving wind and rain. 

 That warbling creature hath not, nor fields, nor hoarded corn, 

 And yet, she sweetly singeth, the leafy boughs among. 

 Her soft clear voice is telling, from out the lovely tree, 

 That He who feeds the lone one, doth surely care for thee. 

 Her plumes are rudely ruffled, the day is nearly gone, 

 But she heeds not, she fears not, and still she singeth on. 

 Oh ! weep not thus, poor mourner, the storm shall pass away ; 

 For me, sweet Spring is coming, for thee, a brighter day." 

 " Flowers of the Matin and Even-song." 

 by MAHY EGBERTS. 



" The MOUSE-BAB, CHICKWEEDS " (Cerastium) 

 have small white flowers also, and of just the same 

 form as the Stitchworts. The difference is, that the 

 Mouse-ear Chickweeds have 5 Styles, and the Capsules 

 open with 10 equal teeth. The leaves are thicker and 

 coarser-looking. Three or four species are common 

 H 



