290 LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
the best composition on the charms of study and 
eloquence. 
Power, Crown Imperial. The Crown Imperial, 
which belongs to the family of the lilies, grows to 
the height of two or three feet. The flowers are 
formed by a circle of tulip-shaped corollas, turned 
downwards, which have the appearance of so 
many gay bells, the stigma answering for the 
clapper ; the whole being crowned by a coma, or 
tuft of green leaves, which gives to it a singular 
and agreeable effect. Each of the bells contains 
some drops of water, which adhere to the bottom 
of the corolla till it withers : the footstalks of the 
flowers then raise themselves to ripen the seed. 
Prediction, Prophetic Marigold. This species of 
Marigold opens regularly at seven o'clock and 
remains open till four, if the weather is dry : if 
it does not open, or if it closes before its accus- 
tomed hour, you may be sure that there will be 
rain during the day. 
Preference, Apple Blossom. A handsome flower, 
which promises fine and useful fruit, may be pre- 
ferred to the rose itself. 
Preference, Rose-scented Geranium. There are 
more than a hundred specie* of the Geranium : 
