RED WILD FLOWERS 
for freedom and justice. Columbine is derived from 
the Latin, columba—a dove. Dr. Prior likens the 
resemblance of its spurs to the heads of pigeons in a 
ring around a dish, which was a favourite device of 
ancient artists. The national flower sympathizers, 
however, apply the dove significance to our olive 
branch of peace, with the long spurs imitating the horn 
of plenty and the liberty cap. There is some uncer- 
tainty regarding the meaning of the ‘scientific name. 
One account states that it is from agquilegus, or water 
drawing, while another says that it is aguila, an eagle, 
and that the five long pointed spurs of the flower re- 
semble the talons of this bird. And here again is seen 
the application of the emblem of our glorious country in 
a national flower. Stretching the imagination still 
further, the long red spurs are said to resemble the 
red stripes of “Old Glory,” and that our national 
colours are represented in red, white and blue flowered 
species occuring in different parts of the country. It 
is the state flower of Colorado. It will be recalled that 
Columbine was also the name of Harlequin’s sweet- 
heart in pantomime. The dangling buds are strongly 
suggestive of old-fashioned drop earrings. On account 
of the nectar contained in the spurs, the flowers are 
especially attractive to humming birds, and they are 
often found hovering above them. 
The Wild Columbine loves to frequent the sunny, 
rocky slopes and ledges in open woods where the soil 
is sparse and well drained. It often prospers with 
barely sufficient earth to cover its roots, and causes 
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