Moneywort. _Lysimachia nummularia._
Dedicated to _St. Medard_.
[Illustration: ~Passion Flower~]
This flower, says the elegant author of the _Flora Domestica_, derives
its name from an idea, that all the instruments of Christ’s passion are
represented in it.
The above engraving from an ancient print, shows the curious distortion
of the flower in those parts whereon the imagination has indulged. The
original print bears an inscription to this effect; that nature itself
grieves at the crucifixion, as is denoted by the flower representing the
five wounds, and the column or pillar of scourging, besides the three
nails, the crown of thorns, &c.
Most of the passion-flowers are natives of the hottest parts of
America. The rose coloured passion-flower is a native of Virginia, and
is the species which was first known in Europe. It has since been, in a
great measure, superseded by the blue passion-flower, which is hardy
enough to flower in the open air, and makes an elegant tapestry for an
unsightly wall. The leaves of this, in the autumn, are of the most
brilliant crimson; and, when the sun is shining upon them, seem to
transport one to the gardens of Pluto.[165]
[165] Flora Domestica.
~June 9.~
_Sts. Primus_ and _Felicianus_, A. D. 286. _St. Columba_, or
_Columkille_, A. D. 597. _St. Pelagia_, A. D. 311. _St. Vincent_, 3d
Cent. _St. Richard_, Bp. of Andria, 5th Cent.