XX 



FLORA ODOR AT A 



their guiding scent by night, and with the remarkable faculty 

 of reserving the same by day, when it is not needed. 



Other flowers lose their fragrance as soon as gathered, a 

 fact of which one is quickly satisfied in collecting a nose- 

 gay of bloom from the meadows and hedgerows, which only 

 breathe their faint summer sweetness when fresh ; others 

 again preserve it even when they are withered. Both the 

 Eose and the Violet emit their lovely odours when faded, but 

 it is inferior in strength and sweetness to the newly gathered 

 flower ; leaves invariably retain their smell under most con- 

 ditions, yet they seem to throw off their strongest favours 

 when full of life, in the soft dewy air. 



The most common instance of the sweet smell of dried 

 plants is afforded by the hay-field. When the mower has cut 

 the grass, and the summer sun has dried out its juices, then 

 we perceive that odour which renders the situation peculiarly 

 delightful. This fragrance is produced from a number of 

 varieties of grasses and clovers which assist in composing the 

 hay, and to render it acceptable as savoury food for animals. 



' The fields put forth a thousand modest flowers, 

 Composed of glossy leaves and fragrant bloom, 

 Filling the air 'midst dainty summer showers 

 With a rich spicy odour and perfume.' — Rose. 



Or as an unknown writer so happily expresses his feelings : — 



* Blooming in sunshine and glowing in showei's, 

 Dancing in breezes — we gay young flowers, 

 We close our petals, nor winking peep 

 'Till the morning breaks our perfumed sleep.' 



Lord Bacon has said * the breath of flowers is far sweeter 

 upon the air, where it comes and goes like the warbling of 

 music, than in the hand, therefore nothing is more fit for that 

 delight than to know something of the flowers that do best 



