manufacture of Maroquin leather,) which opens 10 to 11 A.M.,
and closes at 12 P.M. The latest opening P.M. is the _Cactus
Grandiflorus,_ 9 to 10 P.M., and closing at 12 P.M., thus remaining
open only two or three hours. Other flowers, we may add, are
so peculiarly delicate, as scarcely to bear the contact of the
atmosphere.

Forster, in his "Researches about Atmospheric Phenomena," notices
several prognostics of the weather by plants. Thus, Chickweed has been
said to be an excellent weather-guide. When the flower expands freely,
no rain need be feared for a long time. In showery days the flower
appears half concealed, and this state may be regarded as indicative
of showery weather; when it is entirely shut, we may expect a rainy
day. If the flowers of the Siberian sowthistle remain open all night,
we may expect rain next day. Before showers, the trefoil contracts its
leaves. Lord Bacon observes, that the trefoil has its stalk more
erect against rain. He also mentions a small red flower, growing in
stubble-fields, called by the country people _wincopipe_, which, if it
opens in the morning, assures us of a fine day.

* * * * *


TRAVELS

_Pen and Pencil Sketches of India, being the Journal of a Tour
in India. By Captain Mundy._

These are two very amusing volumes of scenes and situations full of
stirring interest, as their criticships would say--for example the