258 
FLOWERING OF PLANTS. 
to be concealed that there is in this part of botanical science 
some confusion among writers; and we should not be discourag- 
ed if Mm are not always able, in every respect, to bring our 
plant exactly under any species described. 
Among the noble flowers which autumn presents, are the scar- 
let Lobelia, or cardinal flower, the yellow' Gerardia, (false fox- 
glove,) and the noble sun-flower, (Helianthus.) The modest 
Linnaia borealis , so named from the great founder of our pre- 
sent artificial system of Botany, is found in September; at this 
time the white pond lily, (Nvmphtea,) one of the most splendid 
of American flowers, is seen whitening the surface of the lakes 
and ponds, sometimes alternating with yellow Mater lily, (Nc- 
phar,) a flower of less striking elegance than the former, but 
perhaps not less curious in its form. 
Another aquatic plant, which, although it blossoms in summer, 
continues in flower until late in the autumn, is the Sacittaria, 
or arrow-head, with a three-leaved calyx, having white petals, 
staminate and pistillate flowers on the same root ; it belongs to 
the class Moncecia. 
The Eupatorium, or thorough-Avort which blossoms in autumn, 
has no external beauty to recommend it, but as a remedy in 
diseases, perhaps no plant is more useful. In remarking the 
few flowers which linger until the approach of M’inter, Ave see 
the hardy dandelion, Avhich, although one of the earliest, is also 
among the latest of the vegetable tribes. We see among the 
last blossoms of the season, some compound floAvers which seem 
for a time to bear the autumnal blasts, but Avhich gradually give 
Avay to the reign of Avinter, leaving the desolate fields and mea- 
dows to present but a gloomy contrast to their former verdant 
and glowing appearance. 
EA T ER GREENS. 
During the season of winter, in our climate, no flowers ap- 
pear, except on such plants as are shielded from the inclemency 
of the Aveather ; even the green house plants can scarcely be 
made to blossom. 
The leaves of the trees, and the stems of all annual plants, 
are also decayed ; some hardy evergreens yet retain their cheer- 
ful verdure. At Christmas, the pine, spruce, and the beautiful 
running or ground pine, (Lycopodium,) belonging to the family 
of Ferns, are found in perfection, ready to Avelcome the anni- 
versary of our Saviour’s birth. 
Some confusion among botanical writers with respect to the com- 
pound flowers — Lobelia, &c. — Sagittaria — Thorough-wort— Evergreens. 
— In our climate no flowers blossom in winter unless protected from the 
cold — Pine — Spruce. &c. 
