NATIVE WILD FLOWERS 
sunny spots, on moderately sandy soil, on open wastes by 
the wayside, or at the edge of the partly cleared forest, it 
expands its soft purple—sometimes rose-colored—fiowers, 
often mingled promiscuously with the white blossoms of the 
Wild Strawberry and creeping Early Everlasting. The 
lovely winged flowers gladden the eye of the traveller when 
as yet but few blossoms have ventured to brave the late 
frosts that ofttimes nip the fair promise of the spring. 
No wonder that we watch with pleasure for the re- 
appearing of our little floral gem, as in the old times we 
did for the bright golden varnished flowers of the Smaller 
Celandine, that starred the green turfy banks in our 
English lanes, opening so gaily to the ruffling winds and 
sunshine on bright March mornings. Some of the peasants 
and old writers call the little Celandines “ Kingcups,” and 
I have often fancied that Shakespeare was. thinking of this 
sweet spring flower when he wrote his charming song, 
“ Hark, the Lark at Heaven’s Gate Sings,” 
«« And winking Mary-buds begin 
To ope their golden eyes ; 
With all the things that pretty bin, 
My lady sweet, arise.” 
Mary-golds, which some suppose the poet meant by 
Mary-buds, have little poetical charm about them, not 
being associated with the Lark as a wild spring flower. It 
is more than probable it was the gay little Celandine that 
he thus immortalizes with his sweet song. 
The larger form of our Flowering Wintergreen is found 
somewhat later in May in the woods, and is known by the 
settlers as “ Satin-flower.” It would make a pretty border 
plant, and from its early flowering would be a great 
acquisition to our gardens. 
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