MARVEL OF PERU. 



MARVEL OF PERU [Mirabilis y«/«/«).— TIMIDITY. 



This is one of the most fragrant of flowers. It is highly- 

 ornamental. In a state of cultivation it sports into many 

 varieties. Our continental neighbours call it Belle-de-nuit, 

 because its flowers spread their beauty to the night. Hence 

 it is regarded as the emblem of Timidity, — here are the first 

 four lines of an address to this flower by Constant Dubois, 

 referring to its supposed timidity in shunning the brilliancy of 

 day, and preferring the subdued light of evening. 



" Solitaire amante des nuits, 

 Pourquoi ces timides alarmes, 

 Quand ma muse au jour que tu fuis 

 S'apprete k rdvdler tes charmes .■"' 



MEADOW ANEMONE {Anemone praUnsis). —SICKNESS. 



The inhabitants of some districts are of opinion that this 

 ornamental field flower exhales from its dark purple blossom 

 a pernicious odour, which so poisons the air that they who 

 breathe it are subject to the most frightful maladies. 



MEADOW SAFFRON {Colchicum autumtiale).— My BEST 

 Days are past. 



Towards the last days of summer there may be seen, 

 shining upon the green sward of moist meadows, a flower like 

 the Spring Crocus. That flower is the Autumnal Crocus. 

 Far from inspiring us with joy and hope, as the former does, 

 this proclaims the departure of the bright days of summer. 



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