But gems of every form and hue Man to his brother shuts his heart, Oh, art is but a scanty rill though so safely lodged, would, after all, be lost to the purpose for which all seeds are intended. Lest this should be the case, a second admirable provision is made, to raise them above the surface when they are perfected, and to sow them at a proper distance: viz. the germ grows up in the spring upon a fruit-stalk, accompanied with leaves. The seeds now, in common with those of other plants, have the benefit of the summer, and are sown upon the surface. The order of vegetation externally is this. The plant produces its flowers in September; its leaves and fruit in the spring following." Another intelligent writer, Gilbert White, author of the "Natural History of Selborne," after remarking on the singularity of the vernal and the autumnal crocus opening their blossoms at such different seasons of the year, notwithstanding the great similarity in the general character and appearance of the flowers, thus concludes his observations: "Say what impels, amid surrounding snow Bellis perennis. Common Daisy. Syngenesia Superflua. Receptacle naked, conical. Down none. Calyx hemispherical with equal scales. Seeds inversely egg-shaped. Stalk naked. Root creeping.-Withering. ON FINDING A DAISY IN FULL BLOOM ON CHRISTMAS DAY. MONTGOMERY. THERE is a flower, a little flower, The prouder beauties of the field In gay succession shine; Race after race their honours yield; They flourish and decline. But this small flower, to Nature dear, While moons and stars their courses run, Wreathes the whole circle of the year, Companion of the sun. |