08 
FLORAL EMBLEMS. 
ASSIGNATION. 
Pimpernel .—A nagallis. 
“ Clos’d is the pink-ey’d pimpernel. 
***** 
’Twill surely rain, I see, with sorrow ; 
Our jaunt must be put off to-morrow.” 
Dr. Jenner. 
This sensitive little flower is made the sym¬ 
bol of assignation, because the closing of its 
petals foretels wet; but when fully expanded 
it proclaims fair and dry weather. It is con¬ 
sequently called the peasant’s barometer, and 
the shepherd’s weather-glass. 
The peasant loiters at the appointed stile, 
and the 
-“ Shepherd tells his tale 
Under the hawthorn in the dale.” 
Milton. 
