or Pimpernel, to which we have alluded. The latter 
plant is proverbially so ; opening in fine weather and 
closing before rain. But as the atmosphere has not 
at all times the same degree of pressure or humidity 
to indicate its changes, so can neither the Pimpernel, 
the barometer, nor hygrometer, prove an infallible 
prognosticator. The Pimpernel and some other 
flowers open and close at a stated time; hence a 
vegetable clock has been formed; which has been 
delightfully alluded to by Mrs. Hemans. 
“ ’Twas a lovely tlioug’ht to mark the hours, 
As they floated in light away, 
By the opening and the folding flowers. 
That laugh to the summer’s day. 
Thus had each moment its own rich hue. 
And its graceful cup or bell. 
In whose coloured vase might sleep the dew. 
Like a pearl in an ocean-shell. 
To such sweet signs might the times have flow’d 
In a golden current on, 
Ere from the garden, man’s first abode. 
The glorious guests were gone. 
Yet is not life in its real flig'ht. 
Marked thus — even thus — on earth. 
By the closing of one hope’s delight. 
And another’s gentle birth. 
Oh ! let VIS live, so that flower by flower. 
Shutting in turn, may leave 
A lingerer still for the sunset hour, 
A charm for the shaded eve.” 
The Anagallis Webbiana may be increased from 
seeds, or cuttings. The latter should be covered 
with a glass, and have a little bottom heat. 
