FAMILIAR GARDEX FLOWERS. 



PYRETHBXJM, from purinos, fiery, sparkling. :S.O.,\hfcra€eiB, 

 or Composites. Linn^in : 19, Syngenesia ; 2, Superjina. — This "fiery" 

 genus comprises for the most part plants with white flowers, but our F. 

 roseitm, one of the finest of all known hardy flowers, l:)rings the best of fire 

 into the garden to warm the greensward in the often chilly month of May. 

 This plant is the source of the celebrated insecticide known as Persian powder. 

 It is a near relation of the chrysanthemum and aster, and might properly be 

 called the starwort of the spring. p. 153. 



CYCIiAMEN, from lajclicos, circular, referring to the bulb-like root. 

 X.O., Pnntulacei^. Linxjean : 5, Fcnta/tdria : 1, Mono(jynia. — The plant 

 appears to the casual eye to be far separated from the piimulus, its round 

 fleshy root or corm being a quite distinguishing feature. But it agrees in all 

 essential particulars, and is placed in the second gronp compnsing the 

 primulas, androsaces, soldanellas, lysimachias, and dodecatheons. ^;. lo7. 



Lone Flower, Aemmed in with snows, and white as they, 



But hardier far, once more I see thee bend 



Thy forehead as if fearful to offend, 



Like an unbidden guest. Though day by day 



Storms, sallying from the moimtain-tops, waylay 



The rising sun, and on the plains descend ; 



Yet art thou welcome, welcome as a friend 



Whose zeal outruns his promise ! Blue-eyed May 



Shall soon behold this border thickly set . 



With bright jonquils, their odoure lavishing 



On the soft west wind and his frolic peers ; 



Nor will I then thy modest grace forget, 



Chaste Snowdrop, venturous haibinger of Springs, 



And pensive monitor of fleeting years. 



