“When the words _Septuagesima_, _Sexagesima_, and _Quinquagesima_ were first applied to denote these three Sundays, the season of _Lent_ had generally been extended to a fast of six weeks, that is, thirty-six days, not reckoning the Sundays, which were always celebrated as festivals. At this time, likewise, the Sunday which we call the first Sunday in Lent, was styled simply _Quadragesima_, or the fortieth, meaning the fortieth day before Easter. _Quadragesima_ was also the name given to Lent, and denoted the _Quadragesimal_, or forty days’ fast. When the three weeks before Quadragesima ceased to be considered as weeks after the Epiphany, and were appointed to be observed as a time of preparation for Lent, it was perfectly conformable to the ordinary mode of computation to reckon backwards, and for the sake of even and round numbers to count by decades. The authors of this novel institution, and the compilers of the new proper offices, would naturally call the first Sunday before Quadragesima, Quinquagesima; the second, Sexagesima; and the third, Septuagesima. This reason corresponds with the account that seems to be at present most generally adopted.” There is much difference of opinion as to whether the fast of _Lent_ lasted anciently during forty days or forty hours. * * * * * FLORAL DIRECTORY. Common Maidenhair. _Asplenium trichomanes._ Dedicated to _St. Martina_. ~January 31.~ King George IV. proclaimed. Holiday at the Exchequer. _St. Peter Nolasco_, A. D. 1258. _St. Serapion_, A. D. 1240. _St. Cyrus and John._ _St. Marcella_, A. D. 410. _St. Maidoc_, or _Maodhog_, alias _Aidar_, otherwise _Mogue_, Bishop of Ferns, A. D. 1632. _St. Peter Nolasco._