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CHAP. 24.—THE CYANOS: THE HOLOCHRYSOS.

The name,1 too, of the cyanos2 indicates its colour, and so does that of the holochrysos.3 None of these flowers were in use in the time of Alexander the Great, for the authors, we find, who flourished at a period immediately after his decease, have made not the slightest mention of them; from which circumstance it is very clear that they only came into fashion at a later period. Still, however, who can entertain any doubt that they were first introduced by the Greeks, from the fact that Italy has only their Greek names by which to designate them?

1 Being the Greek for "blue" or "azure."

2 The Centaurea cyanus of Linnæus; our blue-bell.

3 Meaning "all gold." It has been identified with the Gnaphalium stœchas of Linnæus, the immortelle of the French, which forms the ingredient for their funereal chaplets.

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