POK'i'KV OF FLOWERS. 
63 
CELANDINE. 
DECEPTIVE HOPES. 
This emblem of deceptive hopes derives its bo¬ 
tanical name from a Greek word signifying a 
swallow, because, say some, of its coming and 
going with that bird ; but our old florigraphists 
give a different reason; it was so called from an 
opinion which prevailed among the country 
people, that the old swallows used it to restore 
sight to their young when their eyes were out. 
The cheerful-looking little flower called the 
“lesser celandine,” deemed emblematical of 
joys to come, belongs to another floral family, 
quite distinct from the swallow-wort or major 
celandine. It resembles the buttercup in color, 
but is formed like a star, with heart-shaped 
leaves. The blossoms appear very early in 
spring, and at night and in wet weather fold up 
their petals, which instinctive precaution pro¬ 
bably preserves them from the destructive ele¬ 
ments. 
The glossy star-like blossoms and lustrous 
green leaves of this little flower seem to have 
rendered it a great favorite with Wordsworth, 
as he has repeatedly sung praises of its “ bright 
coronet 
