156 THE ASSOCIATIONS OF FLOWERS 
and a fibrous one when it grows in a moist meadow or 
by the water-side ; because in the latter case the bulbous 
root is not necessary to hold a supply of moisture for the 
plant. So, too, the orchis plants, which grow on the 
ground in Europe, are provided with roots formed of large 
lobes ; but when they hang upon the trees of the American 
forests, their roots are formed of a number of fibres, in 
order that they may penetrate the bark of the trees. 
In former days the pimpernel was considered as a 
remedy against low spirits, and a promoter of mirth. It 
was probably on this account that it received its name of 
anagaliis, which signifies to laugh. 
The seeds of this plant, which are very numerous, are 
enclosed in small capsules, and are eaten by the birds ; 
so that independently of its value to man, as an ornament 
of his daily path, the flower is useful to a large class of 
living creatures, and thus doubly contributes to our grati- 
fication. 
There is but one other British species of pimpernel ; but 
the common pimpernel varies in the colour of its flowers 
— -being sometimes found of a white, and more frequently 
of a blue colour. The blue pimpernel (Anagaliis cerulsea) 
is not uncommon in some parts of England. It is de- 
scribed as growing in beautiful little tufts about the hills 
of Madeira, and enlivening them by its cheerful colour, 
which may bear comparison with the azure of the sky. 
The other native species, the bog pimpernel (Anagaliis 
tenella), is among the most delicately beautiful of our wild 
plants. Its blossoms are larger than those of the scarlet 
pimpernel, and of a pale rose colour; and the leaves, 
which are numerous, are very small in proportion to the 
blossom. It is found on wet, marshy grounds, but is rare. 
There are a few species of cultivated pimpernel in the 
garden and conservatory which have been introduced here 
from the countries at the south of Europe. 
This flower belongs to the same order as the primrose 
(Primulacese), of which some account has been given in 
an earlier chapter. 
