FLOWERS OF HISTORY. 



4SS 



his reign (1514 to 1542) the head or flower of a 

 thistle only is represented. On a coin of James VI., 

 of 1599, there are three thistles grouped and united 

 at the base, whence two leaves spread laterally, and 

 the stalk of the plant is spinous. On later coins, as 

 on one of 1602, there is only a single head, while the 

 leaves and spines are retained, and this figure is the 

 same given on all subsequent coins, the form of the 

 flower itself having suffered no change from its first 

 adoption. "This evidence," says Johnston, "seems 



Fig. 96. — Scotch coin of 1602. Fig. 97. — Scotch coin of 1599. 



to me to put Carduus nutans out of court, and the 

 greater number of species, and very much to invali- 

 date the claims of the Onopordum, but greatly to 

 strengthen our belief that Carduus -marianus was 

 the chosen emblem of the national pride and 

 character, although it must be admitted that the 

 resemblance between the plant and the picture of 

 the artist is somewhat postulatory. The bold motto, 

 ' nemo me impune lacessit,' was the addition of 



