Cornflower 
299 
“ What an exquisite coronet of sky-blue florets is conspicuous 
in the cyanus! every floret is a fairy vase, that holds forth a 
rich nectareous juice to thirsty insects. And when each vase, 
having fulfilled its appointed purpose, is laid aside, beautiful 
green cradles become developed, as if by enchantment, con¬ 
taining little winged children, which the zephyrs delight to 
rock ! These winged children are often peculiarly beautiful : 
their small pinions are elegantly variegated at the base, and 
adorned with the most delicate jet-black feathers, which, to 
the unassisted eye, appear only like minute hairs, and yet are 
perfect feathers of the most exquisite description. They pre¬ 
sently fly abroad, bearing with them seeds of equal rarity, with 
one minute groove fitted to another, and having a finished and 
elaborate mechanism whereby to facilitate the purpose for 
which they are designed.” 
And this little flower is only one minute piece, scarcely per¬ 
ceptible amongst the many myriads of more or less complexity, 
of which this globe’s marvellous mosaic is compounded ! 
