252 NATURE STUDY IN SCHOOLS. 



sign, the columbine possesses great advantages from the fact that its nation- 

 al associations are expressed not only in the name, but in the fcim and col- 

 ors assumed by the various parts. 



The different societies were much helped in their efforts to reach these 

 who did not clearly understand just what sort of a plant is desirable for a 

 national flower, at the National Flower Convention held at Ashville, North 

 Carolina, in 1896. This convention, called to recommend a national flower 

 for adoption by Congress, was composed of delegates from various states of 

 the union, chosen by their respective governors at the request of Governor 

 Carr of North Carolina. The main result of this convention was an agree- 

 ment as to the qualifications which should decide the fitness of a flower to 

 be our national emblem. Although they thought it not suitable to decide or 

 recommend any special flower at that time, it was evidently the sense of the 

 majority of the delegates present, as shown by an informal vote, that the 

 columbine is the only flower which meets the requirements set forth, in the 

 qualifications decided upon. It was announced in a recent Ashville paper 

 that arrangements are being made for a second national flower congress, to 

 be called by President McKinley at Washington, D. C. 



The maize or Indian corn is thought by some to be a fit national flower 

 for our country. The highest authorities on geographical distribution of plants 

 have agreed that the maize is a tropical grass, which, so far as known, has 

 never grown wild within the limits of the United States. Can a plant be a 

 national flower which is not native to our country and has not in many sen- 

 ses of the word a flower at all ? 



The first of all flowers to be suggested as our national emblem was the 

 trailing arbutus, in 1887. The best recommendations for the adoption of it, 

 are that it was one of the first blossoms seen by the Pilgrims at Plymouth, 

 and by Washington's army after their winter at Valley Forge. But the rea- 

 son why we should not want it, is that Nova Scotia has adopted it. 



The golden-rod was next mentioned in 1888. For a time it was popu- 

 lar as it grows wild in such profusion everywhere and is such a bright adornr 

 ment of the roadside. A change soon came ; for when it was wanted for 

 use, it was not in season, and was found to be unhealthful if used for dec- 

 orating indoors. It is also considered impossible for such a purpose from 

 the fact that it is a weed detested by farmers, and harmful to cattle and 

 human beings. 



The violet, pansy, pond-lily, larkspur, the native aster, sunflower and 

 several trees and shrubs, such as the sugar maple, elm, mountain laurel and 

 magnolia are thought by some to be appropriate. 



If ever an opportunity occurs for any of you to help in this movement, 

 I hope you will assist the Columbine Association in having that flower be- 



