ROCK rOLUMBTNE. 25 



The unequal and clustered stamens, and five thready styles ot 

 the pistil project beyond the hollow mouths of the petals, like an 

 elegant gohlen-fVinged tassel : the edges and interior of the petals 

 are also of a bright golden yellow. These gay colours are well 

 contrasted with the deep green of the root leaves and bracts of the 

 flower stalks. The bracts are lobed in two or three divisions. The 

 larger leaves are placed on long foot stalks; each leaf is divided into 

 three, which are again tw ice or thrice lobed, and unequally notched ; 

 the upper surface is smooth and of a dark rich green, the under pale 

 and whitish. -, -'';'':>: '*:'■v■^^.^.^:'^^^.: /■^ /'''^ 



As the flowers fade the husky hollow seed pods become erect — 

 a wise provision in this and many other plants of drooping habits, 

 giving the ripening seed better access to the sun and wind, and pre- 

 venting them from being prematurely scattered abroad upon the earth. 



The wild Columbine^ is perennial and very easily cultivated. Its 

 blossoms are eagerly sought out by the bees and humming birds. 

 On sunny days you may be sure to see the latter hovering over the 

 bright drooping bells, extracting the rich nectar with which they are 

 so bountifully supplied. Those who care for bees, and love humming 

 birds, should plant the graceful red-flowered Columbine in their 

 o-arden borders. 



In its wild state it is often found growing among rocks and sur- 

 face stones, where it insinuates its roots into the clefts and hollows 



* If two sepals with a petal be separated from the rest of the flower, they will be found to resemble a dove 

 flying, hence the name Columbine, from the Latin columba, a dove. — Dr. Bell. 



