58 FAMILIAR GARHEX FLOWERS. 



a large-minded artist. These remarks ajiply more espe- 

 cially to the common annual sunflower [IhdianUtus iviniiiis), 

 but it may i>roi)evly be added that all the sunflowers are 

 noble plants, and if not adapted for a front place in a 

 highly-dressed promenade, there is a j)lace for them, which, 

 when found, they will readily fill, for they are accommo- 

 dating- plants, and the perennial kinds are among the most 

 useful of gay garniture for a large London garden. As for 

 the annual kinds, it is only in a country garden and on a 

 deep str<ing soil that they attain to jjroper magnilicence. 



Our grand beauty, the aiuiu&l cmiflower, is a native r)f 

 Mexico and Pern, and its outline may often be traced in the 

 sculptures of the ancient terajiles that date from the time 

 of the Aztecs, and constitute the most important oi the 

 arehffiological treasures of the western continent. In the 

 description of the marigold we have touched upon the fancy 

 that this flower takes its name from following the sun in 

 its course, so tastefully expressed by Moore — 



*' As the suyUlowLT turns to lier god wlion he sets 

 The same look wliieh she turned when he rose; " 



and it has been shown that the fancy has no foundation 

 in fact. One glaiice at a garden of sunflowers will demon- 

 strate this, tor they will be found facing everv way indis- 

 criminately, evidently wanting in the adoring affectiim for 

 glorious Apollo they have obtained credit for from the 

 poets. " A garden of sunllijwers " the reader will perhaps 

 repeat, as in doubt of such a thing, but we have seen sun- 

 flowers in pieces of an acre in extent, and without any 

 sense of satiety, so interesting is it to note the variety of 

 character displayed in the several stages of development. 



Of sunflower poetry there is no lack, while many flowers 

 that rank much higher iu the estimation of the world are 



