POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
97 
FOXGLOVE. 
INSINCERITY. 
The Foxglove typifies insincerity because of 
the invidious poison which lurks Avithin its 
bright blossom. In France and Germany, and 
in some parts of England, it is knoivn as 
“ Finger-flower,” because of the resemblance it 
bears to the finger of a glove. 
The tall purple foxglove is one of the most 
stately and yet most lovely of plants; its ele¬ 
gantly-mottled and inversely conical bells are 
Avell worthy the attention of the entomologists, 
as a variety of tiny beings are attracted by the 
shelter, or by the rich repast w r hich the blossoms 
afford, to continually resort to them. 
The common foxglove varies in color from a 
Koman purple to a violet hue, and is found of a 
cream color, orange-tawny, blush-color, and 
Avhite. It is a pity these plants are poisonous, 
for they are extremely beautiful, particularly 
those kinds Avhich are of a deep rose. They are 
all speckled within the bell, which adds still 
more to their richness. Tennyson truly styles 
them “ the foxglove’s dappled bells.” 
