blue blossoms would also contrast well with the snowy whiteness of Iberis sempervirens and I. saxatilis (perennial Candytufts); and it would be still more valuable as a relief to the dense masses of the vivid yellow Alpine Wallflower (Cherianthus alpinus). The poetess's spiritual comparison of the reflected colours of the firmament upon its flowers-their quick contraction, or "shrinking," before the gathering storm, the "passing breeze," and the "vernal shower"-and anon, their bright and joyous expansion on the return of sunnier skies, are not less true than figurative, and emblematic of the soul shrinking under the vicissitudes of life or the reverses of hope.

This species is found in a wild state near Canterbury; near Berkhampstead, Herts; near Harrow-onthe-Hill; at Luton-Hoo, Bedfordshire; in Wimbledon Woods; and in the Duke of Somerset's Park, Wimbledon. It flowers in April; is rare as a wild flower, and is considered to be a doubtful native. In many parts of Italy it is the most common species, and its abundant beautiful blue flowers render it one of the most gay and conspicuous plants, especially in the hilly districts of the Apennine range.

ORIGIN OF GARDEN VARIETIES OF THE ANEMONE.Garden varieties of the Anemone are, for the most part, derived from the following species:-A. coronaria, or Poppy Anemone, an ornamental perennial, blooming in April and May, and bearing scarlet flowers. It has long been naturalized in England, being imported from the Levant as early as 1596. It is dried up in summer on the hot banks of the Euphrates and in the

scorched plains of Syria, a condition of the root which is imitated by us in taking them up and drying them. This lifting is not, under all circumstances, necessary. If the soil be light and dry, and the surface be wholly exposed to the sun, these Anemones will continue for years to flourish with great beauty, without being taken up at all. A. hortensis is a native of Italy, of the same colour, but of somewhat larger growth, and introduced at about the same period. A. stellata, or Star Anemone, which some authorities identify with A. hortensis, and others with A. pavonina, or Peacockeye Anemone, which last is of French origin, but the date of its importation is uncertain. This species bears a red flower, and under favourable circumstances grows at least a foot high. A. coronaria is the most

common.

DOUBLE ANEMONES.-Double varieties of Anemone should be planted in pots in the month of October, the pot being well prepared with drainage; as this plant is very impatient of superfluous moisture and soon injured by it, it should be filled with a compost made up of cow-dung, river sand, and maiden loam. One-fourth of the whole quantity should be cow-dung, one-fourth fine river sand, and one-half loam, procured fresh from an unbroken pasture. When the operation of potting is complete, set the pots in a cold frame or pit, and give them from time to time but little water until spring arrives, when the plants may be moved to a warmer place.

THE ANTIRRHINUM.

THERE is an old picture representing the human face divine of a man and woman, both smirking and smiling when held in one position, and inscribed below with the words "before marriage;" if we turn the picture round so that the top becomes the bottom, we still observe two faces, but the expression of each is grim and sour, and below are the expressive words "after marriage." These faces, especially when held in the latter position, always remind one of the Snapdragon, a name which is singularly characteristic of the appearance thus presented, whether it has or has not any reference to it. It would be difficult perhaps to find the true origin of the name, though there is something in its appearance sufficiently grotesque to produce alarm in the mind of a child, especially when it is made to open and shut rapidly with a snapping motion, as to account for its fabulous appellation. The name of the