^^m mm mm IIIBilnliiiliiiiliHii^^^^ 1 iililili NnrtI? aiarnlina BtnU This book was presented by Raymond L. Murray 'SH^^^ S01 897960 / THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE DATE INDICATED BELOW AND IS SUB- JECT TO AN OVERDUE FINE AS POSTED AT THE CIRCULATION DESK. % ^^^^r^T^ -MAR 1 6 1977 SFP 2 Cjy/9 m 1 7 m APR 1.7 1985 A GUIDE TO THE WILD FLOWERS W4 "%.t PLATE XX. WILD HONEYSUCKLE. Azalea nudijlora. COPyRIGHT, 1899, BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY. PRINTED IN AMERICA. A GUIDE TO THE WILD FLOWERS BY ALICE LOUNSBERRY WITH SIXTY-FOUR COLOURED AND ONE HUNDRED BLACK-AND- WHITE PLATES AND FIFTY-FOUR DIAGRAMS BY MRS. ELLIS ROWAN TKmtb an -ffntroDuction BY DR. N. L. BRITTON Emeritus Professor of Botany, Columbia University, Author of ^^ An Illustrated Flora^ and Director of the New York Botanical Garden. FO UR TH EDITION WITH RE VISIONS It NEW YORK FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY PUBLISHERS Copyright, 1899, By Frederick A. Stokes Company Contents. Preface, ...... List of Illustrations, .... Introduction by Dr. Nathaniel Lord Britton, A Chapter to Study, . . „ , Five Conspicuous Plant Families, Plants Growing in Water, Plants Growing in Mud : Bogs, Swamps and Marshes, Plants Growing in Moist Soil : Low Meadows and BY Running Streams, Plants Growing in Rich or Rocky Soil : Deep Woods and Hillsides, .... Plants Growing in Light Soil : Open Woods, Plants Growing in Sandy Soil, Plants Growing in Dry Soil : Upland Places, Thicke and Meadows, ..... Plants Growing in Waste Soil : Roadside Banks and Lanes, . Index to Colour, . Index to English Names, Index to Latin Names, . Index of Technical Terms, PAGE. iv ix XV I 15 21 43 79 139 203 231 256 296 326 333 340 346 Prefc ace. The love of flowers is one of the earliest of passions, as it is one of the most enduring. Children with the bees and butter- flies delight in the opening of the spring ; and a bright boy that is reared in the country follows the season by its flowers. He it is who knows when to push aside the snow and dried leaves to find the first sweet blossoms of the trailing arbutus ; nor does he mistake the dell where the white violet peeps shyly out for the spreading patch of blue violets to which he returns every year. He knows the hillside where the mountain laurel and the lambkill grow, and drives away the foolish cows that would eat of their fresh, green shoots. The precious haunt of the pink orchis and the rocky crag over which droops the lovely columbine is to him an unravelled mystery. A stream of fish- ing he marks by the stately cardinal flower or the coy jewel- weed. His knowledge of them all is intimate and loving — one that he has acquired by his own skill and observation, and through this close friendship with them he feels proudly that they are his very own. The swamps and the woods, the hills and the road- sides, are his especial domain. The great poets of America have shown a profound apprecia- tion of their incomparable wild flowers. In fact, the impersonal love of flowers is one of the characteristics of modern poetry. But this has not always been so. The Persians made use of their flowers as mouthpieces to express their own sentiments and from them the idea radiated very generally. They served the ancient Greeks mostly as tombstones to commemorate their sorrows : and although the Greek boy knew where to find them and honoured them as favourites of his gods, he had not the VI PREFACE. same sentimental fondness for them as has our little American friend. A wild rose would never say to him : " I despise you ; " nor does he expect a black-eyed Susan to blush from shyness. The wild flowers have their own unique personalities. They exist as individuals and reproduce themselves. Every plant is a member of a family and has its relatives quite as well as those of the animal world. To know them it is necessary that we should seek them in their homes : they seldom come to us. It is for this reason that a classification according to the soil in which they grow is feasible. It is a tangible point of which to take hold. And although there are some fickle-minded plants that appear to flourish in different kinds of soil, they may be regarded rather as those straying away from family tradition, than as trustworthy examples. As a rule they are partial to particular kinds of soil and do not thrive nearly so well in other than that allotted to them by Dame Nature. The marsh marigold, with which most of us are familiar, when it reaches the sunny, warmer south retires to the wet, cool woods in search of a soil similar to that of its home marshes. The harebell, that is with us a shy plant, hiding itself in shady places and rooting in moist soil, in England ventures out into the meadows and highways. It has there not our midsummer heat with which to contend and finds the soil of the fields not unlike that of our shaded banks. It would therefore seem that, putting aside an analysis of their minuter parts, the different species of plants could be most readily known by their locality. With one exception the great family of golden-rods are yellow ; but they do not all grow in the same kind of soil. The knowledge, therefore, that one inhabits a swamp will be of more value to identify it than to know its colour. For the convenience of those, however, that are accustomed to a classification by colour, an index, in which the plants are arranged under the dominant colour of the blossoms, has been provided. With the knowledge of this point and knowing also the soil PREFACE. vii in which they grow, little difficulty should be encountered in determining the position of any plant in the book. It has seemed most natural to make the divisions of soil according to a gradation from plants that grow in water through those of mud and those of moist, rich, rocky, light and sandy soils respectively to those that flourish in dry and waste ground. Under this classification the primary idea in group- ing the genera has been to keep the families together, and so far as is consistent with this plan they have been arranged according to their seasons of blooming. The common English name, or several common names, when they exist, and the scientific names of the plants are first given. Accents have been retained on the latter as being an assistance to their correct pronunciation. Then follow, so that they may be seen at a glance, the family, colour, odour, range and time of bloom. A simple analysis is also given, from which the manner of their growth and the form and number of their parts can be learned. From the routine order of placing first the root, or stem, a deviation has been indulged in by beginning with a description of the flowers. It is thought to be more considerate to allow the novice to satisfy his enthusiasm over the blossom before claiming his attention for the root, stem, and leaves. The technical terms that have been used will not be found difficult to conquer by a little patience and study of the next chapter. The student will then be armed with a vocabulary from which two words will serve him for twelve of his own that he might otherwise employ. Every science has its phe- nomena that individuals are ready to master ; but for some strange reason botany has, until recently, been so enwrapped in the gloom of technical expressions that it has been declared impossible. Happily this idea has become a phantom of his- tory. The change undoubtedly is greatly owing to the many delightful books that have been written on this subject. It is these books that make naturalists. viii PREFACE. Modesty, we learn from the flowers, is one of the winsome virtues. It is therefore said with much modesty that what has been formerly lacking to make these books thoroughly useful and practicable to the student is supplied in the present volume. It is COLOUR. To the development of science we owe the existence of the sixty-four coloured plates that are here repro- duced. They and the pen-and-ink sketches are from original studies from nature and show us many of our familiar as well as rare wild flowers. In the selection of them the range has not been limited ; simply from America's great wealth of bloom those have been chosen that have some especial claim on our attention. This work has been greatly facilitated by the most kind and generous aid of Dr. Britton. Mrs. Rowan received invaluable assistance from Mr. Beadle, the well-known botanist of Biltmore ; and while in Asheville was enabled, through his courtesy and that of his colleagues, to get many rare specimens of native plants from the mountains of North Carolina. Besides accuracy, Mrs. Rowan has a particularly happy faculty of transmitting to paper the atmosphere of the plants, so that in looking at them we almost feel their texture and sense a whiff of the salt marsh in which they grew, or the cool, spicy odour of the pine thickets. How differently these coloured plates impress us from those that gave dreary pleasure to our ancestors, when a patch of colour and a bit of green that was taken on faith as the accompanying leaves caused them to exclaim mechanically, " It is a flower," That the book introduces many new friends among the wild flowers and that it adds colour constitutes its claim upon the reader. About the flowers grave lessons cling, Let us softly steal like the tread of spring And learn of them. List of Illustrations. The mark * * * which appears in the list designates the plates that are pro- duced in colour. The number of the page given for each of these coloured plates is that of the printed pagQ/aced by the coloured plate in each case. PLATE. PAGE. I. WATER-ARUM. Calla pahistris, . II. GOLDEN CLUB. Orontium aguaticum, III. YELLOW POND-LILY. NymphcBa advena, IV. YELLOW NELUMBO. Nelumlw lutea, V. COMMON WHITE WATER CROWFOOT. Batrachiumtrichophyllum, YELLOW WATER CROWFOOT. Ranuticulns delphini/olius^ VI. WATER HEMLOCK. Cictita maculata, . VII. WATER-HYACINTH. Piaropus crassipes, VIII. COMMON BLADDERWORT. Utricularia vulgaris^ IX. ARROW-HEAD. Sagittaria lati/olia, X. WATER-PLANTAIN. Alisma Plantago-aquatica^ XI. AMPHIBIOUS KNOTWEED. Polygonum amphibium^ XII. FLOATING-HEART. Limnanthejnum lacunosunt^ XIII. AMERICAN CRINUM. Crinutn Americanum^ XIV. SWAMP PINK. Helonias bullata, . XV. PITCHER-PLANT. Sarracenia purpurea^ XVI. MARSH MARIGOLD. Caltha palustriSy XVII. GOLDTHREAD. Coptis tri/olta, . XVIII. SWAMP ROSE, ^^sa Carolina, XIX. LIZARD'S TAIL. Saururus cernuus, XX. WILD HONEYSUCKLE. Azalea nudiflora, XXI. WHITE SWAMP HONEYSUCKLE. Azalea viscosa, XXII. AMERICAN CRANBERRY. Oxycoccus macrocarpus. ■ 20 ' • 23 25 27 trichophylluin. 29 '/alius. . 29 31 * * * 32 35 37 39 40 42 * * * 44 45 * * * 46 <') 51 « « « 52 . 54 * "^ t * Frontispiece. * * * 54 , S8 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XXIII. CALOPOGON. Litnodorum tuberosum, . XXIV. SNAKE-MOUTH. Pogonia ofihioglossoides, XXV. SMALL PURPLE-FRINGED ORCHIS. Habenaria psycodes, XXVI. WHITE-FRINGED ORCHIS. Habenaria blephariglottis^ YELLOW-FRINGED ORCHIS. Habenaria ciliaris XXVII. MARSH CLEMATIS. Clematis crispa, XXVIII. HORNED BLADDERWORT. Utricularia cornuta, XXIX. ROSE MALLOW. Hibiscus Moscheutos, . XXX. BUCKBEAN. Menyanthes trifoliata, XXXI. SEA PINK. Sabbatia campanulata, . . XXXII. VENUS'S FLY-TRAP. Diortiea muscipula, XXXIII. MILKWEED. Asclepias lanceolata, ASHY MILKWEED. Asclepias cinerea, XXXIV. LARGER BLUE FLAG. Iris versicolor, XXXV. CRESTED DWARF-IRIS. Iris cristata, XXXVI. POINTED BLUE-EYED GRASS. Sisyrinchium angusti folium, XXXVII. YELLOW-ADDER'S TONGUE. Erythronium Americanum, XXXVIll. CAROLINA LILY. Lilium Carolinianum, XXXIX, STOUT STENANTHIUM. Stenanthium robustum, XL. FOUR-WINGED SNOWDROP TREE. Mohrodendron Carolinum, XLI. CHOKE CHERRY. Prunus Virginiana, . XL!!. TALL WILD BELLFLOWER. Campanula Americana, XLIII. COLORADO SHOOTING-STAR. Dodecatheon Meadia frigidu XLIV. TRUMPET FLOWER. Tecoma radicans, . XLV. BUTTON'BUSH. Cephalanthus occidentalis, XLVI. BLUETS. Houstonia coerulea, .... XLVll. TALL MEADOW RUE. Thalictrum polygamum, XLVlll. MONKSHOOD. Aconitum uncinatum, XLIX. MOCK APPLE- Micrampelis lobata, L. WHITE-FLOWERED SIDALCEA. Sidalcea Candida, Li. CARDINAL MONKEY-FLOWER. Mimulus cardinalis, . Lll. TURTLE-HEAD. Chelone glabra, .... Llll. TURTLE-HEAD. Chelone Lyoni, .... LIV HEDGE-HYSSOP. Gratiola aurea. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 90 92 94 96 99 103 104 105 107 108 III "3 "5 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XI LV. MEADOW BEAUTY. Rhexia Virginica, LARGE-FLOWERED MILKWORT. Polygala grandijlora, LVL SLENDER DAY FLOWER. Commelina erecta, LVII. SPIDERWORT. Tradescantia inontana, , LVIII. JEWEL-WEED. Itnpatiens bifora^ LIX. CARDINAL FLOWER. Lobelia cardinalis, RATTLESNAKE GRASS. Panicularia Canadensis, LX. GREAT LOBELIA. Lobelia syphilitica, . LXL ROUND-LEAVED PSORALEA. Psoralea orbicularis, LXII. OSWEGO-TEA. Monarda didyma, LXIII. OBEDIENT PLANT. Physostegia Virginiana, . LXIV. FRINGED GENTIAN. Gentiana crinita, . LXV. CLOSED GENTIAN. Gentiana Andrewsii, LXVI. SNEEZEWEED. Helenium autumnale, LXVII. BLUE STOKESIA. Stokesia cyanea, LXVIII. JOE-PYE-WEED. Eupatorium purpureum^ LXIX. GOLDEN-ROD. Solidago juncea, LXX. JACK-iN-THE-PULPIT. Arisosnta triphyllum, . LXXI. STROPHILIRION. Strophilirion Cali/ornicum, LXXII. TWISTED STALK. Streptopus roseus, LXXIII. LARGE-FLOWERED WAKE-ROBIN. Trillitim grandiflorum, LXXIV. PAINTED TRILLIUM. Trillium undulatum, LXXV. PANICLED BELLFLOWER. Campanula divaricata LXXVi. DALIBARDA. Dalibarda repens, . LXXVll. EARLY WHITE ROSE. ^''•^^ blanda, LXXVIM. COLUMBINE. Aquilegia truncata, LONG-SPURRED COLUMBINE. Aquilegia caridea, LXXIX. BLACK COHOSH. Cimici/uga racevtosa, LXXX. BUNCH-BERRY. Cormis Canadensis, LXXXI. FLOWERING DOGWOOD. Cornus Jlorida, LXXXII. SOURWOOD. Oxydendrum arboreum, . LXXXIII. MOUNTAIN LAUREL. Kalmia latifolia, . LXXXIV. SHEEP LAUREL. Kalmia angusti/olia, . LXXXV. GREAT RHODODENDRON. Rhododendron maximum. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Xll LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. LXXXVI. SHIN-LEAF. Pyrola elli^tica, LXXXVII. CREEPING WINTERGREEN. Gaultheria procumbenSy LXXXVIII. CREEPING WINTERGREEN. Gaultheria Shallon, LXXXIX. INDIAN PIPE. Monotropa uniflora, FALSE BEECH-DROPS. Hypopitys Hypopitys, . XC. NEVINS'S STONE CROP. Sedum Nevii, . XCI. AMERICAN ORPINE. Sedum telephioides, XCII. SMOOTH RUELLIA. Ruellia strepens, . XCIII. YELLOW LADY'S SLIPPER. Cypripedium hirsutum, XCIV. MOCCASIN FLOWER. Cypripedium acaule, XCV. STRIPED CORAL-ROOT. Corallorhiza striata, XCVI. RATTLESNAKE PLANTAIN. Peranium repens, . XCVII. BLOOD-ROOT. Sanguinaria Canadensis, XCVIII. GROUND OR MOSS PINK. Phlox subtdata, XCIX. HOBBLE-BUSH. Viburnum alni/olium, C. TRUMPET HONEYSUCKLE, Lonicera sempervirens, CI. TWIN-FLOWER. Linncea borealis, Gil. WHITE ABRONIA. Abronia fragrans. Gill. WHITE BEARD'S TONGUE. Pentstemon Digitalis, CIV. WHITE BEARD'S TONGUE. Pentstemon Newberryi, GV. WOOD-SORREL. Oxalis Acetosella, GVI. TRAILING ARBUTUS. Epigaa repens, GVII. SPOTTED PiPSISSEWA. Chimaphila maculata, FIRE PINK. Silene Virginica, CVIll. WIND-FLOWER. Anemone quinque folia, CIX. THIMBLE-WEED, Anemone Virginiana, ex. CAROLINA LARKSPUR. Delphinium Carolinianum, CXI. PARTRIDGE VINE. Mitchella repens, CXII. WILD PINK, Silene Caroliniana, . CXIil. STARRY CAMPION. Silene stellata, CXIV. GROUND-NUT, Panax trifolium, CXV. WILD GERANIUM. Geranium maculatum, CXVI. PROSTRATE TICK-TREFOIL. Meibomia Michauxii, CXVII. WOOD-BETONY, Pedicularis Canadensis, 165 167 169 * • * 170 * * * 170 171 173 175 * * * 178 179 181 183 185 * * * 186 * * * 188 189 191 193 195 197 * * * 300 205 ♦ * * 206 * * * 206 309 211 ♦ ** 212 • 215 *** 218 ai9 . . 221 * ♦ ♦ 332 225 »27 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. xui CXVIII. DOWNY FALSE FOXGLOVE. D asy stoma Jlava, SMOOTH RUELLIA. Ruellia strepens, CXIX. FERN-LEAF FALSE FOXGLOVE. Dasystoma Pedicularia^ CXX. SPANISH BAYONET. Yucca filamentosa^ CXXI. BIRD'S-FOOT VIOLET. Viola pedata, BIRD'S-FOOT VIOLET. Viola pedata bicolor, . CXXII. ST. ANDREW'S CROSS. Ascyrum hypericoides, CXXIII. SHRUBBY ST. JOHN'S-WORT. Hypericum proli/icum, CXXIV. GOAT'S RUE. Cracca Virginiana, CXXV. WILD SENNA. Cassia Mar Handicap PARTRIDGE PEA. Cassia Chamcecrista^ . . . CXXVI. BEACH PEA. Lathyrus maritimus, CXXVII. BUSH CLOVER. Lespedeza procumbens, . CXXVIII. HYSSOP SKULLCAP. Scutellaria integrt/olia. HAIRY SKULLCAP. Scutellaria pilosa, . CXXIX. HORSE-MINT. Monarda punctata, CXXX. CAROLINA CALAMIINT. Calamintha Caroliniana, CXXXI. PURPLE GERARDIA. Gerardia purpurea, CXXXIl. FLOWERING SPURGE. Euphorbia corollata, . CXXXm. SMOOTH ASTER. Aster Icevis, .... WH;tE wreath aster. Aster multiflorus, . LATE PURPLE ASTER. Aster patens, CXXXIV. SHAD-BUSH. A7nelanchier Canadensis, CXXXV. VIOLETS. Viola blanda, Viola Canadensis, Viola- pubescens Viola palmata, .... CXXXVI. CRANBERRY TREE. Viburnum Opulus, . CXXXVll. SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL. Potentillafruticosa, . CXXXVIII. VIPER'S BUGLOSS. Echium vulgare, CXXXIX. LARGE-FLOWERED VERBENA. Verbena Canadensis, . CXL. 8CAP0SE PRIMROSE. Pachylophus ccespitostts, CXLI. PASSION FLOWER. Passiflora incarnata, CXLII. CALIFORNIA POPPY. Eschscholtzia Calif ornica, CALIFORNIA POPPY, Eschscholtzia coespitosa, . CXLIII. BUTTERFLY PEA. Clitoria Mariana, . * * * 228 * * * 228 229 * * * 230 233 233 237 * * * 238 239 * * * 242 * * * 242 243 245 247 247 249 251 * * * 252 253 * * * 254 * * * 254 * * * 254 * * * 256 * * * 258 259 263 ♦ * * 266 269 271 * * * 272 * * * 274 * * ♦ 274 277 XIV LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. CXLIV. COMMON MILKWEED. Ascle^ias Syriaca, CXLV. BUTTERFLY-WEED. Asclepias tuberosa, CXLVI. MOTH-MULLEN. Verhascutn Blattaria^ CXLVII. STRIPED GENTIAN- Gentiana villosa, . CXLVIIJ. TICK-SEED. Coreopsis lanceolata^ . CXLIX. ROBIN'S PLANTAIN. Erigeron pulchellus, CL. WHITE DAISY. Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, BULBOUS BUTTERCUP. Rammculus bulbosus^ CLI. BLACK-EYED SUSAN. Rudbeckia hirta, . CLII. PURPLE-FLOWERING RASPBERRY. Rubus odoratus, CLIII. SPREADING DOGBANE. Apocynum AndroscEmifolium CLIV. CYPRESS-VINE. Quamoclit coccinea^ CLV. BOUNCING BET. Saponaria officinalis^ . CLVI. DOUBLE BOUNCING BET. Saponaria officinalis CLVII. TRAVELLER'S JOY. Clematis Virginiana, CLVIII, MUSK MALLOW. Malva vtoschata, CLIX. WHITE ALDER. Clethra alnifolia, CLX. HOG-PEANUT. Falcata comosa, . CLXI. SUNFLOWER. Helianthus mollis^ CLXII, IRON-WEED Vernonia Noveboracensis^ CLXIII. COMMON YARROW. Achillea Millefolium, CLXIV. CHICORY. Cichorium Intybus^ 279 * * * 280 283 285 * * * 288 * * * * * * * *■ *■ 290 290 292 * * * * * * * * * 298 301 303 304 * * * 304 307 * * * 306 309 313 318 321 333 324 Introduction. One of the first questions a botanist asks about a plant is, "Where did it grow," and the next is, "When and where did you get it," Yet it is surprising how seldom these points are noted, and how many collections are preserved without suffi- cient data to guide us in the identification of the specimens. If this book does nothing more than emphasize the importance of observing these points it will do good. It will also aid in the appreciation of that new development of botanical study, the science of Plant Ecology. It will teach the novice how altitude, latitude, soil and environment affect the vegetation of certain areas ; how certain plants are found growing together because of the nature of the soil and of their surroundings. If it also leads to the understanding of their gradual adaptation to changed conditions it will give a broader and more comprehensive view of plant morphology and lead away from the mistaken idea that plants must and should con- form to our artificial definitions, and make clearer the laws of evolution. To feel that plants are living things, that individuality and heredity are constantly struggling in them for ascendancy, bringing about modifications which in course of time are suffi- cient in amount and importance to create specific differences, these are the underlying principles of the study of plants. That the love of Nature is gaining ground among us is shown in many ways. The number of books and magazines dealing with natural-history subjects in a popular way, increases yearly to meet an increasing need. A constant demand exists which xvi INTRODUCTION. calls upon our specialists in Science to tell what they know in plain readable language, and expects them to illustrate their meaning in the best and most modern manner. The public calls for increased facilities for learning. Popular lectures, beautifully illustrated, have become the order of the day, and the labour of the brain may be had cheaper than the labour of the hands. Biology and Nature Study have taken their places in the courses of instruction both in private and public schools and the teachers are struggling to fit themselves to meet the new requirements ; in fact, the supply does not equal the de- mand. Parents are seeking for companions for their children in their hours of recreation and vacation who can answer ques- tions on natural objects and phenomena ; if they cannot find the right person, they want correct books and magazines. That the true love of Nature imposes certain moral responsi- bilities is also beginning to be recognised. First and foremost a respect and care for living things will do away with that spirit of wanton destruction which permits the killing of any animal or the uprooting or trampling of a living plant, just for the fun of it. It will also promote a spirit of unselfishness which can enjoy the beauties of Nature and leave them as we found them for some one else to enjoy after us. It also pro- motes an appreciation and love of truth which fosters exactness and precision. From a pedagogic standpoint nature studies are of the utmost importance, as they bring the mind to the consideration of the objective rather than the subjective meth- ods. That they call for greater individuality and latitude of presentation is one of the reasons why it has been difficult to secure the right methods. Our schools cannot be bound by hard and fast rules and requirements ; the teacher must meet the needs and opportunities of the students and these are very diverse in different schools and places. She must be ready to make use of any facilities and accomplishments that individual scholars may afford for the benefit of the others, and to bring drawing, photography and poetry, as well as prose, to her as- INTRODUCTION. xvii sistance. Summer schools and vacation classes seem to meet a widespread want, and to take teachers and pupils away from the densely populated cities is better than to bring living plants and animals to them. Therefore a book that leads searchers to know what they will find in the country is the best kind of a book. Our thanks are due to Miss Lounsberry and Mrs. Rowan for having contributed a work which cannot fail to advance Nature Study in quite the way that it should be advanced. Mrs. Row- an's figures have been drawn from plants growing in their nat- ural surroundings and they are accurate and elegant. The new process by which it has been made possible to reproduce her coloured paintings is a most valuable addition to methods of illustration. N. L. Britton. New York Botanical Garden, February 20, 1899. A Chapter to Study. No attempt has been made in the following chapter to ac- quaint the student with every term that it is possible to use in describing the organs of a plant ; but enough have been ex- plained and used throughout the book to give a comprehensive vocabulary of the subject and to lead one up to the enjoyment of an altogether scientific work on botany. The existence of the plant and that of the animal are so closely linked together that it would be rather difficult to pro- phesy the fate of one were the other to withdraw itself from the earth. It is a pleasure to see that they seldom encroach upon each other's mission in life ; but are generously helpful by the most amicable arrangements. The plants absorb from the atmosphere carbonic-acid gas, which, unless this were so, would become abundant in the air and be injurious to animal life. They exhale oxygen, which is the animal's necessary food. The opposite course is pursued by animals. They inhale oxygen and exhale carbonic-acid gas. In this way they return the plants' compliment : by taking from them what they do not want and giving them as food what they do want. Again, plants are almost altogether dependent upon animal life to perform for them the service of cross-fertilization, page 7. The birds, the butterflies and Master Bee and his family are all ceaselessly busy as their messengers. But there is nothing mean about the flowers. In return, they are quite aware of, and cater to, the tastes of all. When a bird carries the seeds of a flower to some distant place and deposits them, it is only a slight remuneration for the delicious luncheon of red A CHAPTER TO STUDY. berries which he has enjoyed. If Master Bee follows the road that is plainly marked out for him by a deep, rich veining and sips to satiety of a gland of nectar ; it is but fair that the an- thers should load him well with a cargo of pollen to carry off to the pistil of another flower. In fact, as we become more friendly with the flowers we will cease to lock upon them so much as luxurious creatures but rather as those that have solved the deep problems of domestic economy. The plant's individual mission in life is the reproduction of itself. The flower and its products, the fruit and the seeds, are the organs of reproduction. The root, the stem and the leaves are the organs of vegeta- tion. The Inflorescence is the manner in which the flowers are arranged upon the stem. When but one flower grows upon the end of the stem or flower-stalk, it is said to be terminal, solitary. It is Axillary when the flower, or flowers, grow from the axils of the leaves, or in the angle formed by the leaf, or leaf- stalk, and the stem. (Fig. i.) FIG. I. FIG. 2. FIG. 3. A Pedicel is the individual stalk of a flower borne in a clus- ter, A Peduncle is the stalk of a solitary flower, or the general stalk that bears a cluster. A CHAPTER TO STUDY. Sessile is the term used when the flowers grow closely to the stem and are without either pedicel or peduncle. A Raceme is when the flowers grow on pedicels about equally long that are arranged along the sides of a common stalk. (Fig. 2.) A Panicle is a compound raceme. (Fig. 3.) FIG. 4. FIG. 5. FIG. 6. FIG. 7. A spike is like a raceme, only the flowers are sessile. (Fig. 4.) A Spadix is a fleshy spike that is usually enveloped by a leaf-like bract called a spathe. (Figs. 5 and 6.) A Head or Capitulum is a short, dense spike that is globu- lar in form. (Fig. 7.) '^^p ^§^ FIG. 8. FIG. 9. FIG 10. A Corymb is a raceme in which the lower pedicels are elongated so that the flowers all reach about the same height. (Fig. 8.) A CHAPTER TO STUDY. An Umbel is like a corymb, only the pedicels branch from the same central point, suggesting the ribs of an umbrella. It may be simple, or compound. (Fig. 9.) A Cyme is a flat-topped inflorescence, differing from an umbel in that its innermost flowers are the first to open. (Fig. 10.) A Complete flower is one that is provided with the essential organs of reproduction, the stamens and pistil ; and the pro- tecting organs, the calyx and corolla. As an example of a complete or typical flower we may take the one illustrated in Fig. II and 12. CumsM. CAcn^ FIG. II. FIG. 12. FIG. I3. The Calyx is the lower, outer set of leaves at the base of the flower which rests upon the receptacle, or end of the flower- stalk. It is usually green, but not always. At times we find it brilliantly coloured and conspicuous. (See Fig. 12.) The Sepals are the leaves of the calyx when it is divided to the base. The Calyx is gamosepalous when the sepals are wholly or partly grown together. The Corolla is the next inner and upper set of leaves. It is the alluring part of the flower, and attracts the bees and but- terflies to its whereabouts that its pollen maybe carried through their agency. (Fig. 12.) The Petals are the leaves of the corolla when it is divided to the base. The Corolla is said to be gamopetalous when the petals are wholly or partly grown together. A CHAPTER TO STUDY. The Calyx and Corolla are spoken of as parted when they are divided nearly to the base. When they are divided about half way they are said to be cleft, or lobed. They are TOOTHED when the lobes are very small. When the parts of the Calyx or Corolla are united, the terms used to express their different forms are : Salver-Shaped : when the border is flat and spread out at right angles from the top of the tube. (Fig. 13.) FIG. 14. FIG. 15. FIG. 16. FIG. 1 7. Wheel-Shaped : when the border suggests the diverging spokes of a wheel and spreads out at once, having a very short tube. (Fig. 14.) Bell-Shaped, or Campanulate : when the tube expands towards the summit and has no border, or only a short one. (Fig. 15.) Funnel-Formed : when the tube is narrow below, and spreads gradually to a wide border. (Fig. 16,) LOMA Uf.,m»^j FIG. 18. FIG. 19. FIG. 20, FIG. 21. Tubular : when the tube is prolonged, and does not widen much towards the summit. (Fig. 17.) Ligulate : when appearing strap-shaped, as in the dandelion and chicory. (Fig. 18.) A CHAPTER TO STUDY. Labiate : when there is an apparently two-Hpped division of the parts. In this form of corolla usually two petals grow to- gether and make the upper lip ; the remaining three petals join together and form the lower lip. These divisions appear mostly as lobes, and it is not always noticed that the flowers are of five lobes instead of two. (Fig. 19.) FIG. 24. FIG. 25. FIG. 26. When the petals are not grown together but are wholly sepa- rate, the corolla is said to be polypetalous. Different forms are : Rosaceous : when the petals are distinct and without claws, as in the rose. Cruciferous : when there are four clawed petals in the form of a cross. (Fig. 20.) Papilionaceous, or butterfly-shaped. (Fig. 21.) Such flowers are usually described in three parts : the banner, or standard, which is the large upper petal ; the wings, or the two side petals, and the two anterior petals that, commonly united in a shape something like the prow of a boat and enclos- ing the reproducing organs, are called the keel. (Fig. 22.) A CHAPTER TO STUDY. 7 Regular Flowers are those that have the parts of each set, the sepals and petals, alike in size and form. (Fig. 23.) Irregu- lar Flowers are the reverse of regular. (Fig. 24.) It is sometimes found that only one set of floral leaves is present. It is then regarded as the Calyx. Collectively the floral envelope, or the protecting organs, is spoken of as the Perianth ; but the word is mostly used in cases where the calyx and corolla run into each other so that it is difficult to distinguish them apart. The lily family have a perianth. The Stamens, or Fertilizing Organs, of the plant are composed of two parts : the Filament, or stalk, which is use- ful to uphold the Anther ; and the Anther, a tiny two-ceiled box which contains the Pollen. The Pollen is the yellow fertilizing powder which is the essential product of the stamens. (Fig. 25.) Exserted Stamens are those that protrude from the corolla. Included Stamens are those that are within the corolla. The Pistil, or Seed-Bearing Organ, is divided into three parts : the Ovary, the Style, and the Stigma. (Fig. 26.) The Ovary is the lower expanded part of the pistil that contains the Ovules, or undeveloped seeds. (Fig. 26.) The Style is the slender stalk that usually surmounts the ovary. (Fig. 26.) The Stigma is the flat or variously formed body that ter- minates the style. (Fig. 26.) Unlike the other organs of the plant, it is not covered by a thin skin or epidermis. Its surface is therefore moist and rough so that it readily receives and holds the pollen when it is deposited upon its surface. Each tiny pollen grain that alights on the stigma sends out a minute tube that pierces down through the style until it reaches an ovule below, which it quickens into life. This is known as the process of Fertilization. The ovules then de- velop into Seeds, and the ovary enlarges into the Fruit, or Seed Vessel. Cross-Fertilization is when the pollen of one flower is 8 A CHAPTER TO STUDY carried to the stigma of another by some extraneous agency, such as the wind or animal life. Self-Fertilization is when the stigma receives the pollen from the stamens in the same flower-cup as itself. To prevent this catastrophe the plants are ever upon the alert, experience teaching them that the result is not good. Often either no seeds at all mature or their progeny is a weakling. FIG. 30. FIG. 31. FIG. 32. FIG. 29. A Perfect Flower is one that has both stamens and pistil. The reverse is called an Imperfect Flower. A Neutral Flower is one that has neither stamens nor pistils. A CHAPTER TO STUDY. 9 Staminate Flowers are those that have stamens but are without pistils. Pistillate Flowers are those that have pistils but no stamens. The terms male and female that are sometimes employed in- stead of STAMINATE and PISTILLATE are used wrongly and should be avoided by even those that have no pretention to botanical knowledge. It is the product of these organs and not they themselves that should be so called if the terms are used at all ; but staminate and pistillate are the correct and accepted expressions. Cleistogamous flowers are those small, inconspicuous blos- soms of the late season that usually grow near the ground and never open. They are, however, fruitful, being self-fertilized within themselves. Violets bear them abundantly. Leaves may be looked upon as appendages of the stem. They are the digestive organs of the plant and assimilate the sap into material for sustaining its tissues. The Blade is the usually broad, flat part of the leaf. Stipules are the two small blade-like parts at the base of the petiole. They are often inconspicuous, or absent. Bracts are the modified leaves of an inflorescence or those that are under a flower. Usually they are green and of different size and shape than the rest of the foliage ; sometimes, how- ever, they are highly coloured and petal-like. The three principal ways in which leaves are arranged upon the stem are : Alternate : that is when one leaf appears just above the other on another side of the stem. (Fig. 27.) Opposite : when two appear at each joint, having the semi- circle of the stem between them. (Fig. 28.) Whorled : when they grow at intervals in a circle around the stem. (Fig. 29.) The Veining of the leaves is classed under two divisions : Netted- Veined and Parallel-Veined. Netted-Veined leaves are those in which the veins branch lO A CHAPTER TO STUDY. off from the midrib and branch again into veinlets that run to- gether and form a network, or mesh. (Fig. 30.) Netted- veined leaves are said to be Feather-Veined when the sec- ondary veins all start from the sides of the midrib, running from the base to the apex of the leaf. (Fig. 31.) They are called Palmately-Veined when several veins of equal size start from the same point at the base of the leaf and spread out towards the margin. Parallel-Veined leaves are those in which the main veins run side by side, without branching or running together. (Fig. 32.) The veining of the leaves is always in complete harmony with their shape, so that much can be learned by noticing this feature carefully. FIG. 33. FIG. 34. FIG. 35. FIG. 36. Leaves vary greatly in general outline, and the following terms are used to designate some of their common forms : Linear : the narrowest form of a leaf — several times longer than broad : grass-like. (Fig. 32.) Lanceolate : long and narrow, slightly broader at the base and tapering towards the apex. (Fig. 30.) Oblanceolate is a reversed lanceolate. Oblong" : when two or three times broader than long. (Fig. 31.) Elliptical : oblong but tapering at both ends. (Fig. $:^,) Oval : broadly elliptical. (Fig. 34.) Ovate : when the outline is similar to the shape of an tgg, the broader end downward. (Fig. ^6.) A CHAPTER TO STUDY. II Obovate : the reverse of ovate. Spatulate : like a spatula, rounded at the apex and tapering towards the base. (Fig. 35.) Orbicular, nearly circular or rounded in outline. (Fig. 41.) Cordate or Heart-Shaped : when the outline is ovate, the sides forming a notch at the base. (Fig. 37.) FIG. 37. FIG. 38. FIG. 39. FIG. 40. Obcordate : the reverse of cordate. Reniform, or Kidney-Shaped : when the indentation is deeper and the leaf more rounded than heart-shaped. (Fig. $S.) Auriculate : when the sides of the leaf are prolonged at the base into two ears or lobes, (Fig. 39.) FIG. 41. FIG. 42. FIG. 43. Sagittate, or Arrow-Shaped : when these lobes are acute and pointed backward. (Fig. 40.) 12 A CHAPTER TO STUDY. Peltate, or Shield-Shaped : when the leaf is orbicular, with the petiole attached to the middle. (Fig. 41.) Entire Leaves are those in which the margins form an un- broken line. (Fig. 35.) Undulate Leaves have margins that are wavy. (Fig. 33.) Serrate Leaves have margins with short, sharp teeth that point forward. (Fig. 30.) Crenate, or Scolloped : when the teeth are rounded. (Fig. 31.) Incised : when the teeth are coarse and jagged and extend deeper into the leaf. (Fig. 34.) FIG. 44. FIG. 4$. FIG. 46. Lobed : when the incisions extend about half way to the midrib ; and in which case the leaf is spoken of as three lobed, five lobed, or according to the number of lobes formed. (Fig. 42.) Cleft : when the incisions reach more than half way to the midrib. (Fig. 43.) Divided : when the incisions extend to the midrib. Compound Leaves have the blade split into separate parts, the little blades forming leaflets. When the leaflets are ar- ranged similarly to feather-veins they are said to be Pinnate. When arranged as the veins in a palmately-veined leaf they are Palmate. (Fig. 44.) Abruptly Pinnate Leaves are those in which the main stalk is terminated by a pair of leaflets. {Fig. 45.) A CHAPTER TO STUDY. 13 Odd-Pinnate : when an odd leaflet terminates the stalk. (Fig. 46.) Sometimes this end leaflet is changed into a tendril, which aids the plant in climbing. Leaves may be twice, thrice or more times compound. (Fig. 47.) The leaflets are subject to all the variations and may be described after the manner of simple leaves. In fact, the expres- sions here given are applicable to any flat part of the plant, the petals or sepals as well as the leaves. Glaucous : when any part of the plant is covered with a powdery substance called a bloom. Glabrous : when the parts are without bristles or hairs. Pubescent : when covered with fine hairs or downy. FIG. 47. FIG, 49. FIG. 50. The Stem is that part of the plant that grows upward to the light and air, supports the foliage and makes it possible for the leaves to expand and present as large a surface as possible to the sunlight. Its manner of growth is described as be- ing : Erect : when growing up vertically. Decumbent: lying on the ground but raising itself at the end. (Fig. 48.) Procumbent : lying flat on the ground. (Fig. 49.) Creeping: running along the ground and rooting at the joints. (Fig. 50.) A Simple Stem is one that is not branched. It is interesting to notice the wisdom with which stems ac- 14 A CHAPTER TO STUDY. commodate themselves to the necessities of the plant. We find some stems growing entirely underground and storing up nour- ishment for the plant's growth during the next season. These stems are called the Rootstock and are distinguishable from the root by bearing scales, which are not found on roots proper. (Fig. 51.) The Tuber is the end of a rootstock that is thickened or enlarged. The enlarged part is possessed of eyes (buds). The common potato is a familiar illustration of tubers. (Fig. 52.) The Corm is a rounded, compact rootstock. (Fig. 53.) The Bulb is a corm mostly made up of fleshy scales. (Fig. S4-) FIG. 51. FTG. 52. FIG. 53. FIG. 54. The Scape is a leafless peduncle, or the flower-stalk of a plant that has no stem. The Root proper grows downward in the ground and bears nothing but rootlets and root-branches. Its principal function in life is to absorb the nourishment from the soil. Aerial Roots are produced in the open air and serve the plant by acting as holdfasts, or helping it to climb. Parasites intermingle their roots with the roots or stems of other plants and drain from them their sustenance. Thorns are modified branches. Their purpose is to guard the plant from animals that would strip it of its stem and bark. Five Conspicuous Plant Families. We find, much to our encouragement, that there are a few plant families with which we at once become familiar ; and their marked features impress us as those of unusual faces that have to be seen but once to be clearly remembered. The greater number of families, however, and their branches are not so read- ily known. The least little variation in a plant's manner of growth will cause it to be separated from its relatives, even if it has to be regarded as a new species. The first Latin or Greek word of a plant's scientific name is the name of its genus: its family name. The second word is an adjective that denotes its species and is usually significant of some characteristic or history with which it is connected. These names are too valuable to be overlooked, and as much as possible they should be memorised. The world over, a plant's scientific name is the same, while the common English names often change not only with country, but with state and town. Following are a few traits of families that are among those most easily recognised : THE ARUM FAMILY. AracecE. Although one of the smallest in numbers, the arum family comprises some of our most quaint and interesting flowers. Its characteristics are strongly marked and its tastes appear to be most patrician. We may believe that it does not concern it- self about the fashions, as it makes no attempt to follow the i6 FIVE CONSPICUOUS PLANT FAMILIES. modes of other noted families ; but continues its own conserva- tive way of bearing its flowers closely packed on a thick spadix and usually sheathing them with a handsome spathe. These tiny flowers are often imperfect and sometimes naked, — that is, without calyx or corolla. When the latter are present they are seldom highly coloured. Under the microscope they are excellent studies and sometimes very beautiful. As a family they show a keen appreciation of harmony in the exquisite blending of colours in the spathe, or by its appearing spotlessly white. The white calla, the stately queen of the greenhouses, Jack in the pulpit and the skunk cabbage are all conspicuous members. The golden club is the wayward exception, in having no spathe. All are widely dissimilar in appearance and hold different posi- tions in life, and yet they bear so strongly the marks of this exclusive family as to be at once recognisable. The leaves are mostly rather netted-veined and the plants contain an acrid, pungent, watery juice. Many of them are also known as yield- ing an edible farina, or starch. THE LILY FAMILY. LiliacecE. The lily family is one that is distinctly marked by its regular, symmetrical flowers. Its floral envelope is a perianth that is sometimes white or gaily coloured, but very rarely green. Al- most invariably it is of six equal parts. There are six stamens with two-celled anthers, and a three-celled ovary that is free from the receptacle. The style is undivided. The leaves are entire and parallel-veined, or sometimes netted-veined. The word lily would probably form as many different pic- tures in the mind as there were individuals to whom it had been presented. Some would at once recall the greenhouse calla, which, as has already been said, is no lily at all and a member of the arum family. Others would think of the pure resurrec- tion lily and again others would think of the swarthy, upright FIVE CONSPICUOUS PLANT FAMILIES. 17 tiger lily of the fields. The fragrant, drooping bells of the lily- of-the-valley would cling to the minds of many, pjut whatever the form of the lily that its name is associated with, it is invari- ably graceful and beautiful. As a family it is singularly with- out obnoxious qualities. THE PULSE FAMILY. PapilionacecB. The butterfly-shaped or papilionaceous corolla serves readily to identify a member of the pulse family. It is almost as un- failing as the nose of the Hohenzollerns. But we poor mortals may not flatter ourselves that it has been thus considerate to facilitate our study of the genus. The family has a very subtle way of achieving its ends in this world. It has been observed that flowers that are dependent upon insects for cross-fertilization have usually an irregularly shaped corolla. It is so with the pulse family. They offer no comfortable seat or resting place for Master Bee and therefore force the poor fellow to let the weight of his whole body knock against the blossom as he thumps about in search of nectar. It is for this little push that the flower has been planning. The stigma that was enclosed in the keel is knocked out, and the pollen grains that were already on the style from early-maturing anthers are dropped upon the bee's back. Little suspecting the trick that has been played upon him, he saunters off to another member of the family, as he is again allured by the irregular corolla and the purplish pink that is his favourite colour. As before, he knocks about for a seat and pushes out the stigma, which then greedily receives the pollen with which his back is covered from his last visit. In this way the pulse family manages the little matter of cross- fertilization. It has the true method of allowing others to do its work. And that its system is good is proved by the vigour and freshness of its growth. The flowers are always arranged in fives, or multiples of five. i8 FIVE CONSPICUOUS PLANT FAMILIES. The stamens do not exceed ten and are usually united by their filaments. The leaves are mostly compound, with entire leaf- lets. Papilionaceae is the name that is now used as distinctive of this family and in preference to that of Leguminosae, under which they were formerly known, THE PRIMROSE FAMILY. Prz?nuldcecE. We may look upon the primrose family as a group that shows us regular, perfect flowers. And after having tried our pa- tience over the unexpected developments of other families it is certainly a pleasure to come upon one of these straightforward little blossoms, whose motto seems to be, to jog along as com- fortably as possible and to make no mystery of its ways. There is no lack of originality, however, among the primroses. The shooting star is a very different-appearing flower from the spread- ing poor-man's weather-glass, or the yellow loosestrife. It is not a very large family and may be known on the whole as gamopet- alous herbs that are arranged in divisions of five, rarely six or seven. There are as many stamens as there are lobes of the corolla, which are inserted on and opposite the latter. The stigma and style are undivided. In fruit the ovary, which is one-celled, enlarges into a pod ; and in different species the number of seeds varies greatly. The leaves may be generally said to be simple. The generic name. Primula, is from primus, spring. Bryant says of the primrose : " Emblem of early sweetness, early death, Nestled the lowly primrose." THE COMPOSITE FAMILY. Co7np6siicE. The composite family, like the majority of mortals, has its good and its bad characteristics; but if we drink deep enough of knowledge of the family and put ourselves in friendship with FIVE CONSPICUOUS PLANT FAMILIES. 19 it, we will probably find that we are tipped in the scale of its favour. We must first resign a natural feeling of resentment at its aggressiveness and its habit of flaunting itself from every available space. Its children, we must remember, have been a little neglected in education and know no better. They arrive at a season of the year when the dear preacher has retired from his pulpit and they have not the advantage of hearing his good doctrine. The violet is busy rooting its run- ners for the next season's growth and no longer raises its head to teach them about modesty. So being born with rather bold tastes, the poor composites think that they are doing quite a fine thing in puffing themselves up and topping over everything. If they were much spoken about in the good old-fashioned times it must have been with the expression that there was not a lazy hair in one of their heads. The energetic way in which they set about dispersing their seeds is truly wonderful, and, as has been already hinted at, their moral character not being fully developed, they have no compunction whatever in using some very extraordinary means. But this might possibly be explained by their agreeing with Loyola in doctrine. The un- kind way many of them have of covering sheep, the only animal without a weapon of defense, with their hooked fruits is alluded to in this connection. To those that complain of their downright maliciousness in retaliation for the hay fever, the composites answer calmly : " We are a family that does not invite intimacy. View us from a distance, en masse^ and many of our failings will be over- looked." Evidently this lesson of avoiding familiarity is what they wish us to learn. And who does not delight in the fields that are radiant with their rich autumn colouring? They visit the earth when the more delicate blossoms have passed bloom, and they find things dry and dusty, showing the wear and tear of the summer. Then what can be more natural than that they should say to 20 FIVE CONSPICUOUS PLANT FAMILIES. themselves : " Brighten up the earth, appear in every waste corner, wave and bend with the breeze. Things are looking humdrum here ; make the earth a merry carnival of dancing colour." The flowers are rather difficult for a beginner to analyse with reference to their species, of which there are over ten thou- sand. It is, however, not so much what one learns in books about them as it is what one finds out. They may be easily recognised by bearing in mind that the flowers are closely packed together in heads that are surrounded by an involucre. The individual flowers are tubular or ligulate, as in the thistle and dandelion, and again both tubular and ligulate flowers are arranged in the same head. In this case they are called ray and disk flowers. The common field daisy is a well-known illustration of the latter. PLATE I. WATER. ARUM. Calla Palustris. COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY FREDERICK *. STOKES COMPANY PRINTED IN AMERICA. Plants Growing in Water. Almost hidden tinder the benevolejtt shade of an overhang- ing bough a little pond is lying. It has awaked from its lo7ig winter sleep of apathy and is upholding its world of life to the sunshine. The pale, apple-green growth that clings about the edges, the tall spikes of water-weed, the darting, skipping beetles and fishes and the graceful lilies floating about are all in love with the iridescent, opal tints of the water. Here we may think of them together ; for it would be a queer sight to see the bullfrog or the lily gambolling upon the sunny hillsides, WATER=ARUM. WILD CALLA. {Plate I.) C cilia palustris. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Arum. White. Disagreeable. Penn. northward. June. Injlorescence : terminal ; solitary. The flowers clustered upon a thick, fleshy spadix about which a milk-white spathe, one and one-half inches at base, is wrapped. Fi/amefifs : s]ei\der. A nt/iers : two-celled. Z^az'^j-; on long petioles, rather heart-shaped. Rootstock : creeping. This little plant wafts across the mind visions of an under- world garden. And if there is such a place the flowers there must surely glance upward and think of the wild callas as fairies that have flown above ; for much mystery lies in their dainty whiteness. They have luxurious relatives living in green- houses, and although the calla-lily has snobbishly disowned this 22 PLANTS GROWING IN WATER. little dweller of the ditches and watery places, the family resem- blance is very striking. The quarrel came about the anthers of the Egyptian, which have no filaments and are sessile, and because of a difference in the cell division of the ovary. So our little plant has been separated from it, Linnaeus tells us that the rhizomes, which we find intensely acrid and caustic, are made by the Laplanders into a kind of bread that by them is most highly relished. GOLDEN CLUB. (JPlate IL) Ordntium aqudticum. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Arum. Golden. Scentless. Mass. southward. May. Flowers: very small; crowded on a spadix. Leaves: on long petioles; floating ; oblong. Scape : naked ; slender. Of all the aquatics the golden club is perhaps the most curi- ous. It is a simple member of its family. The Arums have been most careful to envelope their flowers in a generous spathe, that they might appear before the world in a seemly garment. The wild calla, Jack-in-the-pulpit, even the skunk cabbage, have all adhered most closely to this little conven- tionality. It must be something of a shock to their sense of propriety to have the golden club dispense with this clothing and flaunt itself before the world with no protection whatever for its poor little flowers. Whether the plant is more advanced in its theories and at some future time we shall see all the members of this lovely family without their spathes, we do not know. But if wishes are powerful we may sincerely hope that it shall not come to pass. Writers that are familiar with the diet of the Indians tell us that the plant is known to them as Taw-kee and that they find the dried seeds very good when boiled like peas. They eat the roots, also, after they have been roasted. The red man, with his instinct for scenting the properties of herbs, does not need the botanist to caution him that when raw they are very poisonous. Flower. Stamen. PLATE JI. GOLDEN CLUB. Orontkon aquaticum. (23) 24 PLANTS GROWING IN WATER. WATER-SHIELD. Brasenia pn7'purea. FAMILY Water-lily. COLOUR Purple. ODOUR RANGE Scentless. General. TIME OF BLOOM All sumtner. Floivers : small; axillary. Calyx and Corolla: of three or four divisions. Stamens: twelve to eighteen. ^ Pistils: four to eighteen. Leaves: on long petioles, peltate, two or three inches wide, floating. Rootstock : creeping. One of our interesting little aquatics that is fond of sluggish streams and ponds and not over careful about soiling its appear- ance on muddy shores. The lower side of its leaves and stems is covered with a sticky substance like jelly. WHITE WATER=LILY. WATER NYMPH. Castdlia odorhta. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Water-lily. White or rose. Fragrant. General. All summer. Flowers : large ; solitary. Calyx : of four to six sepals. Corolla : of numer- ous petals in many concentric circles, the innermost passing gradually into stamens. Stamens: numerous. Pistil : one, having a many-celled ovary, the rounded top of which produces radiate stigmas around a central projection. Leaves : floating ; orbicular, or rounded. Stems j hollow ; long and round. Rootstock : thick ; fleshy. The white water-lily is the most beautiful of the aquatics. Over the calm surface of the ponds it moves by means of its long, free stems as gracefully as many an animal. In fact, the habits of this lovely flower are not unlike those of the snails and beetles with which it dwells in its watery home. One of the most interesting features of aquatic life is the way that the plants care for themselves during the cold weather. In summer, the lily floats upon the surface of the water so as to attract the attention of the aquatic insects on which it relies for fertilization. Being untrammelled by space, it spreads its leaves out roundly to the sunshine and drinks in abundantly of life. The water serves well to float the leaves instead of the stalks that are necessary to aerial foliage. When the air is chilly with forebodings of frost and ice, the lily, having fulfilled its mission of reproducing itself and storing PLATE III. YELLOW POND-LILY. Nymphcsa advena. (25) 26 PLANTS GROWING IN WATER. up vigour, for there is never any procrastination about the flowers, sinks to the bottom of the pond and nestles in the mud. The warmer water, which is heavier than ice, also remains at the bottom. This considerate arrangement of nature's laws makes it, therefore, possible for the fair lily to spend the winter very comfortably and no doubt enjoying itself with the water nymphs to whom it has been dedicated. The plant also illustrates the gradation of sepals into petals and petals into stamens, or the metamorphosis of the flower. The sepals or transformed leaves are green without but white within, so that it is difficult to know with any amount of cer- tainty to which set they belong. An inner row of petals is found to be tipped with a suggestion of an anther. In the next row the anther becomes more pronounced and the petal assumes more the shape of a filament. This gradation is con- tinued until a perfect stamen is developed. At least, this is the manner in which we are apt to regard the transformation. Many writers, however, of whom Mr. Grant Allen is one, con- sider that the gradation is in the reverse order and that petals are transformed stamens. At the close of day the lily folds up its petals, gathers its leaves and stems together, and disappears under the water. Not a trace of its whereabouts is left : like the Arab it has silently stolen away. Moore alludes to this fact in comparing the lily to virgins that bathe in the water all night and appear more fresh and beautiful in the morning. YELLOW POND-LILY. SPATTER DOCK. {Plate III) Nytnphka ddvena, FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Water-lily. Yellow^ centre tinged Unpleasant. General. May-August, tvith crimson. /YfTw/^rj; unattractive; solitary. Calyx: of six to eight unequal sepals that vary in colour from yellow to green. Corolla : of coarse, fleshy petals that are shorter than the stamens. Stamens: numerous. Pistil: one, the stigma spreading like a many-rayed disk. Leaves : rising out of the water and having a deep space between the rounded lobes. The yellow pond-lily is not pretty, and we have no especial "\ I A F Stamen. Seed Vessel. PLATE IV. YELLOW NELUMBO. Nelnmbo lutea, (27) 28 PLANTS GROWING IN WATER. reason to believe that nature has compensated it by bestowing the virtue of goodness. It has caused disappointment to many a young seeker that, allured from afar by the brightness of its colouring, has sighed to find it without charm or fragrance on a nearer acquaintance. The initiated have learned to bow politely to this flower and to pass on ; leaving it to the insects to be entrapped within its crimson centre. It is almost impossible not to fancy that the pure white water-lily exhales a sigh at the uncultivated preference of this member of its family for stagnant water. In England their rather suggestive odour has caused them to be called by the country people, " brandy bottles." YELLOW NELUMBO. SACRED BEAN. WATER CHINQUEPIN. (J^late IV.) Nelumbo liitea. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Water-lily. Vello-iu. Scentless. Middle states^ ^vest and south. Jiily^ August. Flowers: one to five inches in diameter; growing singly on long, naked scapes. Calyx and Corolla: appear like those of the white water-lily. Stamens: numerous. Pistils: numerous and hidden in a concave receptacle. Leaves : twenty inches in diameter ; growing well out of the water, or floating ; peltate ; veined. Rootstock : thick ; tuberous. Of all the family the nelumbo has the most interesting and careful manner of growing its fruit. Evidently it has de- termined upon giving the seeds every advantage. The recep- tacle is enlarged into a flat, top-shaped body, in which the pistils are systematically sunken. Here the ovaries grow into one-seeded nuts that are about the size of chinquepins. They and the tubers are quite edible. The flowers of the native plant are always pale yellow. The gorgeous, showy pink and white variety is the introduced plant and the one that should properly be called sacred bean. It is this flower that the old Egyptians dedicated to Osiris, the god of life and light, and it was from the shape of its seed vessels that they originated cornucopias. The seeds were sown by enclosing them first in clay and then throwing them in the Head of Pistils. Floating Leaves. PLATE V. COMMON WHITE WATER CROWFOOT. Batrachiiim trichophyllum. YELLOW WATER CROWFOOT. Rammculus delphinifolius. {29) 30 PLANTS GROWING IN WATER. river. Many believe from this custom that it is the nelumbo that is alluded to in Ecclesiastes xi. i : " Cast thy bread upon the water : for thou shalt find it after many days." COMMON WHITE WATER CROWFOOT. {Plate F.) Batrachiwn trie hop hylliDU. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Crowfoot. White. Scentless, General. All summer. Flowers : small ; terminal. Calyx : of five sepals. Corolla : of five white, rounded petals that turn yellow at the base. Stajfiens : numerous. Pistils : numerous, arranged in a head. Styles : short and broad. Leaves : submerged ; finely dissected. YELLOW WATER CROWFOOT. {Plate V.) Ra n ihi cuius delph in ifbliiis. The yellow water crowfoot is very similar in appearance to the white one, only its bright petals are larger. In fact, they closely resemble those of the field buttercup. The submerged leaves are cleft into hair-like segments ; those above the water are reniform and parted into from three to five divisions. The slow, shallow water of ponds and ditches is the home of these pretty plants. At the approach of cold weather they sink to the bottom and lie dormant until the warm sun of May coaxes them to raise their tender blossoms to the surface. WATER HEMLOCK. {Plate VI) Cicuta maculata. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Parsley. White. Scentless. Mostly north, west and south. All summer. Flowers: minute ; numerous; growing in loose, compound umbels. Leaves: compound, the leaflets deeply toothed, or lobed ; veined. Stem : three to eight feet high ; hollow ; streaked with purple. Roots : highly poisonous. It is unfortunate that so many common names have been be- stowed upon this unworthy plant, which is known as spotted cowbane, beaver poison, musquash root, sneezeweed and child- ren's bane. They serve rather to prevent its becoming generally PLATE VI. WATEP^ HEMLOCK Clcuia viaciclata. (30 32 PLANTS GROWING IN WATER. recognised as the deadly water hemlock. Its appearance also is such that it is frequently mistaken for the wild carrot and sweet cicely. The stem, which is streaked with purple, not spot- ted, as its name, spotted cowbane, would suggest, should be re- membered as a means of identification. Of all the members of the parsley family it is the most poison- ous. An aromatic, oily fluid is found in the root and in smaller quantities in the leaves, stems and seeds. Its chemical nature is not exactly known. Every year a large number of human victims falls a prey to this plant, for which there is no known antidote. Growing, as it does, in shallow water, its roots are washed and exposed to view, when it is gathered in error as horse-radish, artichokes, parsnips and other edible roots. WATER=PARSNIP. Slum cicutcefblunn. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Parsley. White. Scentless. Mostly north.^ west and south. All summer. Flowers : small ; numerous ; growing in umbels. Leaves : alternate ; pinnate ; with many pairs of linear, or lanceolate leaflets that are sharply serrate. Roots: dwindled, acrid and poisonous. This wild plant is commonly found in shallow water. To know it is to avoid it, as it is also a very poisonous member of the family. PICKEREL=WEED. Pontederia cor data. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Pickerel-weed. Purplish blue. Unpleasant. General. All summer. Flowers : irregular ; growing in a dense spike. Perianth : labiate ; the three upper lobes marked with a greenish-yellow spot ; the three lower ones being more spreading. Stamens : six ; the three lower ones in the throat, the three upper ones shorter and imperfect. Pistil : one.. ZSt:f;e.trhi.s'-^£^^^^^^ the water is shairo^^, S|?;t"eflo'adng'^ ''"""''" '° "" Sround where Lining the shores of the St. Johns River and many of the lakesand sluggish streams in Florida, the water-hyacinth may be seenm masses varying from fifty to several hundred feet wide 34 PLANTS GROWING IN WATER. The plant is a native of Brazil, and it is thought that it was in about 1890 that it was introduced into Florida. It had been for- merly cultivated in northern greenhouses, as it had the potent charm of beauty. So congenial to its tastes did it find the sunny shores of the St. Johns River and the yellowish water that abounds in humid acid and organic matter that it soon laid aside all the customs of a guest, and determined upon dabbling in the political economy and affairs of the country. In streams where sulphur or other distasteful acids are prevalent it is not able to survive. In 1896 the War Department at Washington was asked to ex- ert its influence with this unruly plant, which was becoming a serious menace to navigation. It has also destroyed bridges, interfered with the timber industry, and affected the health of the region by upholding objectionable organic matter. Great floating masses of the water-hyacinth are moored to the shore by those that have rooted in the shallow water. But at times the wind tears them loose and then large blocks of it go float- ing about with the current. At one time a strong wnnd drove it northward until it closed the river for twenty-five miles. The plant reproduces itself by stolens or leafy shoots and in such numbers that its increase is most alarming. The problem of controlling the water-hyacinth is very interesting. Mechani- cal means entail such great and continuous expense that it is thought a natural enemy to breed disease amongst it will have to be introduced. COMMON BLADDERWORT. {Plate VIIL) Utricularia vulgaris. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Bladder-Mort, Yellotv. Scentless. General. All summer. Flowers : several growing on each scape. Calyx : labiate or two-lipped. Corolla: labiate, the spur shorter than the lower lip. Stamens: two, with anthers that meet in the throat. Pistil : one; stigma two-lipped. Leaves: un- der water, many-parted, bearing rather large bladders. Stem : immersed. This aquatic herb, which we find in still, slow water, is hardly one to inspire us with affection. It belongs to the strange Pistil and Statnens, PLATE VIII. COMMON BLADDERWORT. Utricularia vulgaris. (35) 36 PLANTS GROWING IN WATER. group of insectivorous plants, those that are so formed as to entrap insects, which they digest and assimilate as food. In this way, by taking advantage of defenseless members of the animal world, they show a very unprincipled disregard of all plant tradition. But aside from the moral consideration, this little plant is most wonderful. The bladders are furnished with small hairs or bristles which keep up a wavy motion and create a sort of current that sucks the unsuspicious creature within its folds. A hinged arrangement, or lid then closes sharply down upon him, and the bristles make it their business to see that he does not escape. But from our childhood we are taught that an object cannot sink that has attached to it a bladder filled with air. We there- fore ask, how does the bladderwort reach the bottom of the pond to spend the winter ? Simply because the little plant is clever. It takes time by the forelock, ejects the air from its bladders, and calmly allows them to fill with water. They then bear it below, where it remains while its seeds are ripening, and until it feels the spring sunshine thrilling it with a desire to rise again and to bloom. The bladders then, with small cer- emony, throw out the no longer useful water ; the plant rises, and they fill again with air which floats it during the summer. ARROW=HEAD. {Plate IX) Sagittaria latifblia, FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Water-plantain. White. Scentless. General. All summer. Flowers : growing in whorls of three on a leafless scape. Calyx : open ; of three sepals that fall early. Corolla : open ; of three rounded petals. Stamens: very numerous, on the receptacle. Pistils : distinct ; very numerous. The flowers are imperfect : the pistillate ones being those of the lower whorls and the staminate ones those of the upper whorls. Leaves : sagittate ; nerved. Scape : varying greatly in height. The demure arrow-heads are surely the Quakers of the flower world ; and that they do not condone frivolity, we may gather from the way in which they keep their pistillate and PLATE IX. ARROW-HEAD. Sagittaria latifolia. 38 PLANTS GROWING IN WATER. staminate members apart. The pistillate ones also deck them- selves in very seemly little petals that fall early and do not vie in comeliness with those of the staminate blossoms. It hardly seems possible that one of these little under-flowers would ever have the courage to call out boldly : Joseph, thou art keeping the sunshine from falling upon my head. S. lancifblia is the arrow-head that grows southward from Virginia. Its lower whorls of flowers are better developed than those of its northern sisters, and the plant is, therefore, more showy and beautiful. WATER.PLANTAIN. {Plate X.) Alisma Plantago-aqudtica. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Water-plantain, Rose white. Scentless. General. Late summer. Flowers: small; numerous; whorled in compound panicles. Calyx: of three persistent sepals. Corolla: of three deciduous or falling petals. Sla- mens : four to six. Pistils : numerous. Leaves : from the base ; on long petioles ; rather lanceolate ; ribbed ; closely resembling those of the door-yard plantain. ScaJ>e : varying greatly in height. One would at once discover the kinship between the water plaintain and the arrow-head, although the latter is a much more pleasing flower. But, if plain, our little plant is generous. It distributes itself very widely, and its corm-like tubers are said to be greatly enjoyed as an article of food by the Kalmucks. AMPHIBIOUS KNOTWEED. (P/afe XL) Polyg07imn amphibium. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Buckwheat. Rose. Scentless. Mostly north. July., August. Flowers: rather showy ; massed in a dense spike. Calyx : of five petal-like, parted sepals. Corolla: none. Staine7ts : ^vq, exserted. Pistil: one; style, two-cleft. Leaves: on long petioles; cordate; oblong; floating. Stem: s\x\y merged, rooting in the mud. Rootstock : corm-like. This little aquatic sometimes strays from its home, and is found flourishing upon the land. But we may imagine that it is always glad to return and add its delicate grace to brighten the slow-running streams. Seed. Enlarged flower. PLATE X. WATER-PLANTAIN. A lis ma Planiago-aquatica. (39) Single flower. Pistil. PLATE XI. AMPHIBIOUS KNOTWEED. Polygonum amphibmm (40) PLANTS GROWING IN WATER. 41 FLOATING=HEART. {Plate XII.) Limndntheniiiui laai)ibsum. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Buckbeati. Yellow. Scentless. Maine to Florida. July., August. Flowers: growing in an umbel near the top of the stalk from under the leaves. Calyx: five-parted. Corolla: wheel-shaped, the border in divisions of five, fringed and incurved at the edges. Staviciis: five. Pistil: one. Frtnt : a capsule with numerous seeds. Leaves: growing on slender, long, twining petioles ; ovate-orbicular ; purplish beneath. The floating-heart has never inspired the poets with any of the ardour that they have felt for members of the gentian family to which it is related ; and yet it would seem as though its name alone should awaken some drowsy muse. It is true that the flower is far from being such a raving beauty as the fringed gentian ; but it is very interesting. Its parts alternate in a systematic way that shows it understands good government. The petals alternate with the sepals and the stamens w^ith the petals, while alternating with the stamens are five glands. These glands, it is supposed, were originally another set of stamens that have been absorbed at an early stage by the petals. The root-like tubers that start out near the flowers at the end of the petiole, show a form of reproduction similar to that of the strawberry with its leafy shoots at the end of runners. At the approach of cold weather they detach themselves from the main plant and sink to the bottom of the pond, where they root in the mud. AVith the return of spring they are thus ready to send above vigourous, renewed stock. AMERICAN BROOKLIME. Verdnica Americana. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Figzvort. Blue. Scetitless. Mostly north and west. April-Septeviber. Flowers : growing loosely in axillary, slender racemes. Corolla : wheel- shaped, of four lobes. Calyx: four-parted. Stamens: two. Pistil: one. Leaves : on petioles ; opposite ; oblong or lanceolate ; serrated. Stem : smooth; slightly curving and branched. It is mostly in brooks and w^atery ditches that we find this dear little plant. Children often mistake it for the wild forget- me-not and are invariably disappointed when they learn that it bears no more tender name than American brooklime. Tubers. PLATE XI 1. FLOATING-HEART. Lim7ianthemnm lacunosum, (42) Plants Growing In Mud: Bogs, Swamps and Marshes. Over m the sivamps life is gay and free ; for why sJiould they be dull when they may be merry, or why should they throw out sparingly their bloom when their soil tells them to se?id it out abundantly ? In its time and place each lovely flower u7ifolds ; the turtle travels slowly back from the nearest pond; the blackbirds pipe arid the oriole matches the tint of his wing with the petals of the marigold. Grave willozvs have a fatherly care of the sweet community, and, although King Carnival pass up and dozvn, disorder never reigns. SKUNK CABBAGE. Spathyema fdtida. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Arutn. Madder, purple. Disagreeable. Mostly north, sparingly February' yellotv and green. west and south. April. Flowers: inconspicuous; perfect; arranged upon an oval fleshy spadix that is enveloped by a spathe. Spathe : shell-shaped, veined with purple. Fruit: curious looking; the seeds form under the epidermis of the spadix, and drop later into the ground, like little bulbs. Leaves : one to three feet long ; ovate ; veined ; appearing later than the flowers, from a short rootstock. *' Foremost to deck the sun-warmed sod, The Arum shows his speckled coil." Dame Nature has truly a warm heart, and when she deprives us of one thing she usually bestows another. In her scheme of wisdom she certainly saw fit to deprive the skunk cabbage of fragrance ; and to such an extent that it has been doomed to bear a rather unpoetical name. But it is a brave, powerful plant, which pushes itself forward without fear of rebuff from the frosts of February, or the biting March winds. Grim win- 44 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. ter has but to relax his hold of the season for a single day, or two, and the first folded buds of the skunk cabbage are among us ; gladdening those that are weary of seeing the earth dried and pale, by announcing the nearness of spring. They are impetuous and sometimes hardly wait long enough to give their cheery message, as it is not unusual to find that they have been caught by Jack Frost. As soon as a thaw then sets in they quickly turn black and decay. It is still a mooted question whether or not this plant is self- fertilized. The arums are thought to be cross-fertilized by the wind ; as their pollen is dry and powdery, and their spathes are not so highly coloured as to attract the attention of in- sects. But the spathe of this plant has colour ; and is so enwrapped about the flowers as to protect them from the wind. The pistil also matures long before the stamens. These facts would favour the theory of its being visited by insects. On the other hand, we have to remember that many insects have not the indomitable courage of the skunk cabbage, and do not venture out at so early a season of the year. Carrion-loving flies, it is true, abound the first warm days of spring ; so per- haps they, attracted by its odour, are the plant's secret am- bassadors. Children — and at an early age it may be that the nostrils are not fully developed — are particularly fond of searching for this plant and kicking it over, when its odour becomes much more intensified. AMERICAN CRINUn. {Plate XIII.) Crinu?n Americamnn. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Amaryllis. White. Very fragrant. Florida and westward. May-September. Flaivers : two to four, growing umbel-like at the top of a thick scape. Perianth : of six-pointed, narrow, recurved divisions with linear bractlets at the base of each. Stamens: six, with long, purple filaments ; anthers attached at the middle; pinkish. Leaves: very long, narrow, pointed. Scape: one to two feet high. Bulb: globular. When we sit down beside this giant flower and overlook some river swamp, we think our best thoughts, the earth seems PLATE XIII. AMERICAN CRINUM. Cri^nnu .Imc; u COPYRIGHT, 1899 BV FREDERICK A STOKES COMPANY. PRINTED IN AMcRlCA. Diagram of flower. PLATE XIV. SWAMP PINK. Helonias bullaia. (45) 46 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. wonderfully fair. It is so noble and dignified in its bearing that we would not venture to pick it ; so we wander away, and the place where it grew forms a lasting picture in our memory. It is the only one of its genus that has chosen to grow wild in the Southern part of the United States, instead of tropical regions. SWAMP PINK. {Plate XIV.) Helbnias bullata. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Bunch-Jlozver. Purple. Scentless. New York, southward April., May. to Virginia. Flowers : growing in a terminal, blunt raceme. Perianth : divided into six spreading, spatulate segments. Stamens : six. FistiV : one ; with a three- branched stigma. Leaves: growing in a cluster at the base of the scape; long, tapering at the base ; evergreen ; parallel- veined. Scape : stout, with bracts below. Rootstock : tuberous. A compact, vigourous plant that has a fondness for the state of New Jersey. In fact, it is there so great a feature of swamp and bog life that we find ourselves continually wondering if it is not in some way connected with the political economy of these places. INDIAN POKE. FALSE HELLEBORE. PUPPET-ROOT. Veratriim viride. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Bunch-flower. Greenish yelloiv, becotning Scetttless. Mostly east, May-July, more green as the flowers south and west, groiv older. Flowers : growing in racemes along the branches. Perianth : of six oblong divisions. Stafnens : six. Pistil: one, with a three-branched style. Leaves: clasping ; broadly ovate ; pointed ; parallel-veined. Stem : two to seven feet high ; stout ; leafy. Our attention is hardly held by the flowers of the false hellebore after we have learned to identify them ; as they are particularly lacking in beauty. It is to the leaves that we feel grateful for pushing through the earth at so early a season of the year and enlivening the swamps with foliage. They also appear along brooks and mountain streams, and are on very friendly terms with the skunk cabbage. As the plant's generic PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. 47 name indicates, it is poisonous. Chickens especially have fallen victims to eating its seeds, and the fatal mistake has been made by individuals of using the young leaves for those of the marsh marigold, in which case death has been the result. PITCHER=PLANT. HUNTSMAN'S=CUP. SIDESADDLE= FLOWER. {Plate X V) Sarrachiia purpurea. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Pitcher-J>luni. Crimson, green, or /ink. Fragrant. Mostly north June. and east. Flowers : x\o^^\\\g\ solitary ; growing on a naked scape about one foot high. Calyx : of live large, coloured sepals having three bractlets underneath. Co- rolla : of five incurved petals that close over the umbrella-like top of the style. Stame?is : numerous. Pistil : o\\^ ; branching at five angles like an umbrella, and five hooked stigmas. Leaves : the shape of pitchers, open, with an erect hood, and side wings, the margins folded together; conspicuously veined with purple. It is only because we are ill-informed about plant-life that it ever surprises us ; and to have passed beyond the brink of won- der at the actions of the pitcher-plant, argues a good amount of knowledge. It is one of the most stragetic of the insectivo- rous plants. The leaves have their margins united together, so as to form quaint little pitchers, closed at the bottom and open at the top. They are lined with a sticky, sugary substance that entices small insects to explore to their depths. Here the pitchers, with an absolute disregard of all Christian charity, have arranged innumerable little bristles, pointed downwards ; and once entrapped the poor victim can escape in neither di- rection. The rain is also held by them, and serves to drown any mite that is unusually tenacious of life. We generally find them partly filled with water and drowned insects, which afford the plants an extra amount of nourishment. These leaves often remain a curious feature of swamp life until Jack Frost covers them with his white overcoat ; but in the exquisite spring bloom is when the plants are most ravishing in their beauty. From a distance they appear like the mystic blending of colours in a Persian rug. 48 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. Children have a passion for the pitchers and sometimes play with them, using them as drinking cups. This is a most im- prudent thing to do, as it is impossible to know with any amount of certainty that they are ever free from insects. MARSH MARIGOLD. {Plate XFI.) C alt ha palustris. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Crowfoot. Bright yellow. Scentless. Mostly north. Aprils May. Flowers : growing in clusters on long petioles. Calyx : usually of five, but sometimes as many as nine, showy, petal-like sepals. Corolla : none. Stamens : numerous. Pistils : five to fourteen. Leaves : reniform ; rounded ; the upper ones nearly sessile ; the lower ones on long petioles. Stetn : erect ; branching at the top ; hollowed ; furrowed. Rootstock : thick. Unlike the majority of early wild flowers that prefer the shelter of the woods to test the season's temper, the marsh marigold boldly opens the spring in the marshes. It is well equipped for its mission, being clothed in the brightest of yel- low, which is shown to advantage by its background of dark green leaves. The plant does not harrow itself with any in- tense feelings of patriotism. It is equally fond of the old and new worlds, and has a rare adaptability for accommodating it- self to circumstances. It is Shakespeare's Mary-bud. In this country it is sometimes improperly called cowslip, which name belongs to a European species of primrose. The leaves and young shoots are excellent when served as greens, and find especial favour among the country people in England. WATER=PLANTAIN SPEARWORT. /^an unculns obtushisculus. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Crowfoot. Golden yellow. Scentless. North, sparingly south and west. June-August. Flowers: growing singly, or clustered in panicles. Calyx: of five small sepals. Corolla: of five, seven, or more oblong petals. Stame7is: indefinite in number. Pistils : numerous, forming a head. Leaves: lanceolate ; the upper ones clasp- ing, the lower ones on petioles. Stem: one to three feet high ; hollow ; glabrous. A slender plant whose bright, cheery face shows its close kin- ship to the buttercup. It is one of the gay blossoms of the Stamens and Pistils PLATE XVI MARSH MARIGOLD. Caltha palustris. (49) 5° PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. swamps, and keeps the carnival of colour from waning after the marigold has passed away. GOLD THREAD. {Plate XVII,) Copt is trifblia. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOI Crowfoot. White. Scentless. North., sparingly zvest and south. May. Flowers : terminal ; solitary. Catyx : of five to seven sepals that fall early. Corolla : of five to seven cup-shaped pointed petals, hollow at the apex. Sta- mens: numerous. Pistils: three to ten. Leaves: from the base; thrice di- vided into fan-shaped leaflets ; evergreen. Roots: long ; bright yellow ; fibrous. This fragile, sprightly little flower, with its wide-awake ex- pression, withers away from us early in the season. Its pretty leaves nestle cosily among the bog marshes and remain green all winter. The curious, twining roots remind one of a bunch of copper wire that has been much tangled. New England country people boast greatly of their efficacy when stewed down for a spring tonic. CHOKEBERRY. Arbnia arbutifblia. FAMILY Rose. COLOUR White. ODOUR RANGE Scentless. Mostly along the coast. TIME OF BLOOM May., June. Flowers: small, clustered. Calyx: of five, cleft sepals. Corolla: of five, rosaceous petals. Stamens: numerous. Pistil: one, with usually five styles. Fruit: a small, dark red, or purple, astringent berry. Leaves: alternate; oblong ; serrated ; hairy underneath. In the late summer, when the fruit of this little shrub ripens, it causes a clinging grudge to take deep root in many a childish mind. It appears as though it might be so very good, and when tasted is so very bad. SWAMP ROSE. {Plate XVIII) Rosa Carolina. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Rose. Soft, crimson pink. Slightly fragrant. General. June-August. Flowers : large ; rarely solitary. Calyx : of five cleft sepals that terminate in a tube. Corolla : of five petals, sometimes found with more ; in this respect the species is variable. Sta77iens : numerous. Pistils : numerous. Leaves : PLATE XVII. GOLDTHREAD. Coptis trifoHa, (51) 52 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. odd-pinnate ; of three to nine serrated leaflets, unequal in size ; pale un- derneath. Stem : erect ; smooth, with recurved prickles ; reddish. " If Jove would give the fragrant bowers A queen for all their world of flowers, A rose would be the choice of Jove And blush the queen of every grove.''— Moore. Pliny tells us that the many species of wild roses may be distinguished from each other by their colour, scent, roughness, smoothness, and the greater or smaller number of their floral leaves. The swamp rose, however, is one that is most readily recognised. It has a somewhat ragged appearance owing to its often unequal number of petals ; and it grows in great masses in the swamps. With the approach of autumn it changes the character of, rather than loses, its beauty. The leaves become a brilliant orange-red and the bushes glow with the graceful crimson fruit. To walk by a swamp spread with these roses, makes us reflect longingly on the days of the ancients ; when the warriors, dur- ing their repasts, sat crowned with them and when, as Pliny tells us, their choice meats were covered with the petals, or sprinkled with their fragrant oil. The descriptions of the roses at the feast that Cleopatra gave to Antony make us cease to wonder that Venus herself has a rival in the rose. WATER AVENS. PURPLE AVENS. Geiim rivale. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Rose. Purple. Scentless. North and west. May-July. Flozuers : large ; nodding ; terminal ; growing sparingly on the flower stems. Calyx : top-shaped, with five spreading lobes. Corolla : of five obcordate petals. Stamens and Pistils : numerous. Styles : long ; curved. ^ Fruit : a head of dry akenes. Leaves : pinnately-parted, the upper ones having usually three lobes. Stem : simple. This is a pretty flower of the swamps and low grounds. Its purple colour is of a peculiar shade ; as though it had been mixed on a palette from which the chrome yellow had not been scraped. I f«* '■ ^^♦A ^ \'; PLATE XVIII. SWAMP ROSE. Rosa Car olma. COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY. PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. 53 G. strictmn^ox yellow avens, has flowers that grow in panicles. They are innocent enough looking ; but it is from their pistils that the prickles come out in the late season to test the temper of those wandering in their vicinity. POISON SUMAC. POISON ELDER. Rhus Veriiix. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Sumac. Dull greenish white. Sulphurous. Florida northward. June. Flowers: axillary; many imperfect; growing in loose panicles. Leaves: pinnately divided into seven to thirteen oblong leaflets that grow on red leaflet- stalks. A shrub, often approaching twenty feet high ; of soft yellow-brown wood. Juice: resinous. Fruit: smooth ; [whitish.) The Rhus vernix is a native species and one of the most poisonous of our country. Fortunately there are many who are immune to its evil effects ; but to those who are susceptible to such influences, even passing by the shrub is fraught with danger. Its beauty, when it is in the pride of its autumn fo- liage, acts as a snare to conceal its true nature. It is often gathered and carried home, being held close to the face. In- sanity has been known to be an outcome of such recklessness. It takes particular hold upon the system when the pores of the skin are open, as in perspiration. All should study carefully its manner of growth, that when we go to the swamps we shall not mistake it for the harmless sumach that grows by the way- sides, in dry soil. AMERICAN JACOB'S LADDER. Polei7ibnium Va?t BruniicE. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Phlox. Bluish purple. Scentless. Ver7tiont to Maryland. I\Iay-July. Flowers : loosely clustered in panicles. Calyx : five-lobed. Corolla : with five rounded lobes, Slamens: five, exserted. Fislil : one. Lea^els : opposite ; ovate ; almost sessile. Stem: erect ; leafy to the top ; glabrous. Rootstock : thick. Prof. Britton, by whom this species was named, tells us that "it differs from the Old World Polemonium coeruleum in its PLATE XIX. LIZARD'S TAIL. Saururus cernuus. (54) V PLATE XXI, Vv'HiTE SWAMP HONEYSUl k / ^('Jt'd Z'isc'i COPYRIGHT, 1399, BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY. PRINTED IN AMERICA. PLANTS GPvOWING IN MUD. 55 stout rootstock, more leafy stem, exserted stamens, and rounded corolla lobes." It is a pretty feature of the swamps and is also found along slow streams. LIZARD'S TAIL. {Plate XIX.) Sauriirus cerniius. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM I't'PPer. White. Fragrant. Connecticut, south-ward along the eastern coast. June-August. Flowers : crowded in a tail-like, curving spike. Stamens: six to seven. Pistils: three, or four, united at the base. Leaves : alternate; ua petioles; cor- date. Stem : square ; jointed. The lizard's tail bears a strange, incomplete flower. It is said to be naked because it has dispensed with, or never possessed, either calyx or corolla. The delicate organs of the flower, therefore, are without any proper envelope to afford them pro- tection. We are mostly attracted to the plant by its fragrance, which is its chief charm, though when growing in masses it beautifies our swamps in midsummer. WILD HONEYSUCKLE. PINXTER FLOWER. PINK AZALEA. {Plate XX, Frontispiece) Azalea nudifibra. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM II filth. Rose, or pinkish red. Faintly fragrant. Maine, southward May. along the coast. Flowers: clustered; developed with, or slightly before, the leaves. Calyx: of five small teeth. Corolla: funnel-form, with five recurved lobes. Stamens: five ; exserted. Pistil : one, protruding with a black stigma. Leaves: ellipti- cal ; entire ; in terminal groups. A shrub three to six feet high; branching, leafy. WHITE SWAMP HONEYSUCKLE. CLAMMY AZALEA. {Plate XXI.) Azalea viscbsa. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Heath. White, tinged with pink. Very fragrant. Maine, southward June, July. along the coast. Flowers : clustered ; coming into blossom after the leaves. Calyx : of five small lobes. Corolla: tubular, clammy and hairy; with five recurved, deeply 56 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. cleft lobes. Stamens: five; exserted; the anthers highly coloured. Pistil: one ; protruding. Leaves : oblong ; in terminal groups. A shrub three to ten feet high. Little can be imagined in plant-life which is more truly beautiful than the azaleas in the fullness of their bloom. The varieties here given resemble each other very closely; and fol- low in continuous succession, so that the swamps and some- times the moist woods are radiant with their variable colours until well on in the season. It would seem as though the warmer atmosphere of summer coaxed out a stronger fragrance than the cool air of spring ; as the A. viscosa lades the air for a great distance with its luscious, honey scent. On both species may be found those modified buds that are so dear to the heart of childhood and which are called May-apples. The plants are especially desirable for cultivation and we are famil- iar with seeing them come into bloom early in the year. The characteristics of each plant can be readily seen from the illustrations. CREEPING SNOWBERRY. Chidge7ies hispidula. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Heath. White. Fragrant. Mostly north. May. Flowers : small ; nodding ; axillary. Calyx : of four sepals with two large bractlets underneath. Stamens : eight. Fistil : one. Fruit : a small, globular, white berry. Leaves : ovate and, like the bractlets, bristly underneath ; ever- green. Stem : delicate and trailing. It may be regarded as a matter of good fortune if we find this delicate little creeper spreading its carpet of snow-white berries, in the peat bogs. We then sit down and enjoy to the full its invigourating breath of spicy aroma ; and nibble at the leaves, which are uninjurious and have the same pleasant taste as sweet birch and wintergreen. It is abundant in the Adiron- dacks and at times we find it straying to visit such cool, damp woods as the AUeghanies. PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. 57 AMERICAN CRANBERRY. {Plate XXII.) Oxy coccus macro corpus. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Heath. Pale rose. Scentless. North Carolina^ northrvard. June. Flowers : terminal ; nodding on long pedicels that are sometimes axillary. Calyx : of four short teeth. Corolla : of four deeply parted petals. Stamens : eight to ten; protruding. Pistil: one. Fruit: a bright scarlet, acid, four- celled berry. Leaves : oblong ; entire ; evergreen ; the margins turned back. Stem : prostrate ; trailing. So dainty and pretty is the little pink blossom of this plant that it invariably gives pleasure to those that find it in the peat bogs and marshy lands. Its mission in life, however, is to be the forerunner of the bright berry which is too well-known in connection with Thanksgiving turkey to need any description. The name cranberry is said by some authorities to have been chosen for the plant because the berries are the favourite food of the cranes, when they return in the spring to the shores of Holland. Others think it is owing to the curves of the branches, which are like the crooked neck of a crane. MARSH ANDROMEDA. WILD ROSEflARY. MARSH HOLY ROSE. Andromeda polifblia. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Heath. White^ or pink tinged with red. Fragrant. Mostly north. May ^ June. Flozvers : growing in umbel-like, drooping clusters. Calvx : of five sepals. Corolla : of five petals. Stamejis : ten. Pistil : one. Leaves : lanceolate : glaucous ; whitish beneath ; evergreen. A low shrub, rarely taller than eighteen inches. This beautiful shrub is the namesake of the fair daughter of the Ethiopian King, Cepheus. Perhaps the bond of sympathy that Linnaeus recognised as existing between them, is that they both have had to contend with monsters. Like Andromeda of spotless purity, who was chained to the rock at sea, our little plant finds itself attached to some hillock in the swamp. The jumping, splashing frogs and sleek, twirling reptiles are no doubt quite as fearful to the gentle flower as the fiery dragon PLATE XXII. AMERICAN CRANBERRY. Oxycoccus macrocar^s- (SS) PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. 59 was to Andromeda. And alas, no Perseus coming to slay them, it droops its head, grows pale and dies. Its place is taken by an erect little capsule, which has quite the air of being able to take care of itself. CALYPSO. Caljpso bulbbsa. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Orchis. Pinky variegated Scentless. Northern latitudes. May. •with yellow. Flowers: large; terminal; solitary; drooping. The sepals and petals narrow and pointed; the lip inflated, sac-shaped; within woolly. Leaves: one only ; slightly roundish, cordate at base ; on a petiole sheathing the stem ; thin. Root : a bulb. It is when we least expect to find this lovely flower that some silken thread will probably guide us to its hiding place, deep down in some mossy bog. It is very shy, very tremulous, and having feasted our eyes upon it we would fain creep away as softly as we came. ARETHUSA. Arethiisa bulbbsa. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Orchis. Rose pink. Fragrant. Maine to Virginia. May., June. Flowers : large; terminal ; solitary ; with two small scales underneath. The lip fringed, spotted with purple, and traversed by three white ridges. ^ The other sepals and petals arching over the column. Leaves: one only; linear, appearing from the sheath of the scape after the flower. Scape : from a bulb ; six to ten inches high. The beautiful nymph Arethusa was first wrapped in a cloud by Diana and then changed into a fountain that she might escape the river god, Alpheus, who had fallen in love with her, as, overheated by the chase, she bathed in a clear, flowing stream. It seems not improbable that her nan:esake, our lovely flower, may have been placed by some protecting power in the swamps as a safeguard against her admirers ; for surely no one could see the flower without loving it, and who loving it would have the hardihood to leave it upon its stem to be visited only by its butterfly sweethearts ? 6o PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. SHOWY LADY'S SUPPER. Cypripedium reglncB. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Orchis. White and pink. Fragrant. New England southward June^July. to North Carolina. Flowers : terminal ; solitary. The sepals and petals pure white ; the lip inflated, one and a half inches long, and shaded in front with pink and purple. Leaves : alternate ; large ; ovate ; pointed ; parallel-veined. Stem : erect ; leafy ; downy. This shy and lovely orchid, which Dr. Gray regards as the most beautiful of the genus, is rather difficult to find ; and although one of its haunts in some remote swamp is known, and the days numbered until the time has come to go eagerly forth and seek it, it is often sadly true that some one has been in advance and carried the blossom away. But those that are so fortunate as to be the first upon the scene, whether lovers of flowers or not, must delight in the possession of so sweet a nymph. C. hirsutiwi and C. acaule, page 178, are illustrated in plates xciii and xciv respectively. CALOPOGON. GRASS PINK. {Flaie XXIII.) Lifjwdbrum tuberbsum^ FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Orchis. Magenta j>ink. Fragrant. Northeast to Florida J une^July. and "cvestward. Flowers : growing loosely in varying numbers on a long scape. The flower has a peculiar expression, as though it were upside down, owing to the ovary being untwisted ; and the lip remaining on the upper instead of the lower side of the blossom. The lip is most delicately bearded with white and yellow. Leaves : linear ; grass-like ; nerved and sheathed near the base of the scape. Scape : rising erect from a bulb. We have no wild flower that is more patrician in its bearing than this handsome orchid. It suggests a high-bred individ- ual with a taste for the eccentric who calmly persists in wear- ing his beard upside down. But its colouring is so regal, and its beard so very beautiful that we cannot wonder at its not conforming to fashion •, which would certainly rob it of much of its unique bearing. Neither has this whim been allowed to interfere in any way with the domestic arrangements of the flower. In most orchids the lower lip is brought under, so as PLATE XXIll. CALOPOGON. GRASS-PINK. Limodorum tubcros COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY. PRINTED IN AMERICA. PL.ATF XXIV. SNAKE-MOUTH. Pogonia ophioglossoides. (6i) 62 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. to form a resting place for Master Bee ; as they are designed for insect fertilization. Not to offend by this omission, our lovely flower has one of the coloured sepals brought forward ; which suits the undiscriminating taste of its visitors quite as well. The flowers from which the accompanying plate was painted, were very little less than two inches broad. The plant is not nearly so rare as it is generally thought to be, and well repays the time spent in its quest. SNAKE-MOUTH. ROSE POQONIA. {Plate XXIV.) Pogb?iia ophioglossoides. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Orchis. Pale pink^ or greenish Fragrant. Northeast to Florida Ju7ie,July. "white. and westward. Flowers : terminal ; solitary ; having the six unequal divisions of the perianth that are peculiar to the orchid family. The lower lip bearded and fringed. Leaves : ovate-elliptical ; one wrapped midway about each stem ; smaller bract-like leaves at the base of the flowers. Flower-stalk ; erect from a bulb. Why call this flower by such a name That makes it blush as though in shame ? A snake is e'er a frightful thing, "Whose mouth gives forth a deadly sting ; While naught but sweetness ever blows From where this tranquil flower grows. To those that think of an orchis simply as an aerial thing hanging in a greenhouse, it seems almost incredible that this modest plant should be a member of the same family. But if studied carefully it will be seen that it could not be successfully disowned by the proudest of its many relatives. LARGE PURPLE-FRINGED ORCHIS. Habendrza grandifibra. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Orchis. Violet purple. Fragrant. New England southward June, July. and westward. Flowers: clustered in dense raceme-like spikes. The large lip one and a half inches long; three-parted ; fan-shaped, and extending into a long, slender spur ; deeply fringed and more highly-coloured than the other parts. _ The upper sepals and petals toothed. Leaves: alternate; lanceolate; becoming bracts as they approach the flower ; oval, pointed, and clasping at the base. This most beautiful and showy of the purple-fringed orchids, Seed, PLATE XXV. SMALL PURPLE-FRINGED ORCHIS. Habenaria psycodes. (63) 64 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. while apparently simple, is devised in the same profound man- ner that the family have chosen to aid them in securing the ser- vices of insects for cross-fertilization. In most orchids the perianth is in two sets, of three divisions each ; the outer set answers to sepals, and the inner set, to petals. The sepals are highly coloured and harmonize with the petals. By a peculiar twist of the ovary, what would naturally be the upper petal is brought down and forms the lower one, or lip. It is the start- ling feature of the flower ; and is rich in blandishments for Master Bee. In some varieties it appeals to his artistic sense by a delicate fringe, or a superb colour, and again it supplies him with a substantial meal of nectar. The internal structure consists of one stamen, formed like a column, and supported by the style or broad, glutinous stigma. In the cypripediums there are two stamens. Just above the stigma at either side are placed the two anther cells. Here the pollen grains are concentrated in little quantities, which are readily carried off by insects to other flowers. The divergent anther cells of H. grandiflora suggest the two eyes of a moth, or butterfly, whose appearance the flower has tried to imitate. SMALL PURPLE=FRINGED ORCHIS. {Plate XXF.) Habenaria psycbdes. The small purple-fringed orchis is more faithful to the swamps than the larger one, which strays sometimes to the moist mea- dows. It comes into bloom a little later in the season, and is not so handsome a variety ; but it has a delicate perfume. FRINQELESS PURPLE ORCHIS. Habenaria peramaena. Another more severe type of a purple orchis, which rarely comes further north than Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It is found in wet meadows, or seeking moisture by following the mountains. In size it is between that of the two preceding PLATE XXVI. J vViMic FRINGED ORCHIS. Habenaria blephariglottis. IyELLOW.FRINGED orchis. Habenaria ciliaris. COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY, PRINTED IN AMERICA. I PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. 65 species. The lip is not fringed ; but it is cut-toothed in a way that gives it a very stiff, prim expression. In July and August we may expect to find it in bloom. WHITE=FRINQED ORCHIS. {Plate XXVI.) Habenaria blcphariglottis. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Orchis. White. Scentless. Northward to Minnesota^ and in New Jersey. Jtiiy. Flowers : crowded on a short, oblong spike and having slender spurs ; the lower lip heavily fringed. Leaves: alternate ; lanceolate ; passing gradually into bracts ; clasping at the base. It seems, sometimes, that we hardly know what to say about a flower. Not because it is uninteresting, but because it is so very lovely that our sensations concerning it are silent. It is so with the white orchis. When found in some cranberry bog or swamp they are generally growing in great profusion. There is a milk-white purity about the blooms, and their swaying fairy fringe makes them very beautiful. H. cilidris, or the yellow-fringed orchis (Plate XXVI), is not so frequently found as the white one. It is taller, and of a deep, rich orange in colour. The two resemble each other so closely that there has been a question whether they were not simply different colours of the same species. It is now be- lieved, however, that they are separate species. The yellow one is a little later in reaching the height of its bloom. As will be seen from the illustration, the fringe of both of these orchids is wider than the lip it edges. nOSS MILKWORT. Polygala cruciata. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Milkwort. Pink or greenish. Scentless. Maine to Florida August. and westward. Flowers : small ; growing in close, short spikes at the ends of the branches. Leaves : opposite ; whorled in fours ; linear. Stc7ns : long ; angled ; spreading. When a number of these low plants are found growing to- gether, they have a mossy, soft appearance that is very pretty. Section of flower. Stamen. PLATE XXVII. MARSH CLEMATIS. Clematis crispa. (66) PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. 67 MARSH CLEriATIS. {Plate XXVII.) Clematis crispa. Perhaps the most beautiful of our native species is the blue clematis of the marshes. Its large, solitary, nodding flowers, which are gracefully shaped, and silky styles, give it a delicate, quaint appearance that is full of charm. Unfortunately, it is little known outside of the territory between southeastern Vir- ginia, Florida and Texas. It blossoms in May and June, and has a delightful fragrance. MARSH ST. JOHN'S-WORT. Triadhium Vh-orinicum. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM . JokrCs-zvort. Flesh coloured, or pale purple. Scentless. General. July-September. Flowers : small ; axillary ; terminal; in close clusters; growing singly or in pairs. C^/j'j; ; of five, flesh-coloured sepals. Ccrf/Za ; of five petals. Staifiens : nine to twelve, in sets of three ; each set separated by a yellow gland. Pistil : one, with three styles. Leaves : opposite, in pairs united about the stem ; ob- long ; not tapering at either end. Slem : erect ; brightly coloured. lod : deep red. Often in cranberry bogs and in the marshes we will find this pretty plant upholding the honour of the St. John's-wort. HORNED BLADDERWORT. (Plate XXVIII.) Utricularia coniuta. Among the aquatics (page 34, Plate VIII) we have already acquainted ourselves with a curious connection of this pretty plant. U. cornuta we find in peat bogs ; it does not bear any bladders and is therefore less extraordinary in its movements. On a slender pedicel it bears from two to four large flowers about one inch long, which have a helmet-shaped lower lip and long curved spur. They are bright yellow, delicate, and very fragrant. In fact, Mr. Burroughs regards this to be the most intensely fragrant wild flower of our country. PLATE XXVIII. HORNED BLADDERWORT. Utricularia cornuta. (68) PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. 69 SriALL riAGNOLIA. SWEET BAY. JMagnblia Virgitiiana. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Magnolia. White. Fragrant. Along the coast. June, July. Flowers: solitary; terminal at the end of the branches. Calyx: of three sepals on the receptacle. Corolla : of six to nine rounded petals. Stamens: numerous. Pistils: numerous; arranged in the shape of a cone. Frtiit : cone- like; red, with one or two scarlet seeds. Leaves : alternate ; obovate ; pointed ; downy and whitish underneath. A shrub four to twenty feet high, leafy, branch- ing. As the summers return to us, the lovely, fragrant blossoms of the magnolia find their way back to the swamps. Tiie shrub is one with which the children have hardly made a fair compact. With their ruthless little fingers, they strip it of its petals, which they put into bottles and cover with alcohol. A few shakes are all that is then necessary to transform the decoc- tion into the " most delightful perfume," and they offer it to their friends at a price much below that of the market. ROSE riALLOW. SWAMP MALLOW. {Plate XXIX.) Hibiscus Moscheutos. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Mallow. Pink. Scentless. A long the coast. A ugust. Flowers : large ; seven to eight inches in diameter ; solitary. Calyx : of five green sepals surrounded by an under layer of twelve slender, pointed bracts. Corolla : of five pink petals that become magenta at the base. Stamens : in- numerable ; growing out from all sides of a formation wrapped about the style. Pistils : ^ve united into one. Stigmas: five; resembling tiny mushrooms. Leaves: on petioles; the larger and lower ones three-lobed ; the upper ones ovate ; downy underneath. Stem : erect ; high, reaching six and eight feet. In late August, when the rose mallow rises to its stately height among the tall grasses of the salt marshes, the passer-by pauses and gives it the admiration it claims. Undoubtedly it is the most gorgeous of all the plants indigenous to the United States, An old gentleman who had loved it from childhood al- ways said of it : "■ It is the flower that I take off my hat to." And he did not regard it as inferior to the Chinese rose hibiscus which is cultivated in our greenhouses. It is from the petals of the latter species that the women in China extract the black dye to colour their teeth with. Although at a great distance the 70 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. large flowers of our plant can be seen, it is often difficult of ap- proach. Positive terror seizes hold of the timorous, and their ardour for it is often tossed in the balance with the fear of snakes. Once plucked, it fades quickly, closes its petals and droops its head as though in sorrow at the loss of its own en- vironment. Growing side by side with the rose mallow will often be found its white sister, whose centre is a deep crimson and whose stem is highly coloured. It is a common error to call these plants " marsh-mallow," which is properly, Althcza officinalis^ and which grows in the borders of salt marshes on the Eastern coast. It is a much more rare plant than the rose mallow and is possessed of medicinal properties. From its mucilaginous substance the famous confection of marsh-mallow is made. SEA LAVENDER. HARSH ROSEMARY. LimSnium CaroliiiiaJiuin. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Leadwori. Lavender. Fragrant. Along the coast. August, September. Flowers : tiny; growing in panicles along one side of the branches. Calyx : funnel-form; five-cleft. Corol/a : oi five petzls. Stamens : ^ve. Pistil : one, with three, or five styles. Root-leaves : lanceolate, tapering into a petiole ; thick. Stetn : naked ; much branched at the summit. Where winds off the sea blow gaily And playfully kiss the land, Marsh rosemary sways and trembles And nods to the pallid sand. The corolla of this little flower, which en masse suggests the filmy sea-spray, dries and remains bright throughout the winter. It is highly prized for bouquets and used by thrifty housewives to frighten away moths. About Shelter Island and Sag Harbor it tints the coast with its delicate bloom. BUCKBEAN. {Plate XXX.) Menydnthes trifoliata. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Buckbean. Whiie^ or reddish. Scentless. Mostly north. May, June. Flowers : growing along a scape of about one foot high. Calyx : small ; five- parted. Corolla : gamopetalous ; five-cleft ; the upper surface covered with a PLATE XXIX. ROSE MALLOW. Hibiscus Moscheutos. COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY TREOERICK A. STOKES COMPANY PAINTED IN AMERICA. PLATE XXX. BUCKBEAN. Menyanthes trifoliata. (71) 72 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. white beard. Stamens: five. Pistil: or\e. Stigma : i\vo-\oh&6.. Leaves: three oblong leaflets borne on a long petiole. Rooisiock : creeping. Hidden away in some secluded corner of a swamp we may chance upon the lovely white buckbean. Its racemes of star- like faces, covered with the soft fringe, have a sweet expression that is most attractive. SEA=PINK. Sabbdtia stellaris. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Gentian. Deep pink. Scentless. Mass. southward. August. Flowers: large ; solitary; terminal on the ends of the flower-stalks. Calyx : of five-parted linear lobes. Corolla : wheel-shaped ; with five, deeply-parted lobes. Stamens : five. Pistil : one ; style, two-cleft. Leaves : opposite ; lanceolate ; becoming linear as they ascend the stem. Stem : branching ; slender. We may picture to ourselves the sea-pinks by the side of a green marsh with the salt breezes blowing about us. There, spread out in brilliantly-coloured masses of great extent, they form a little world by themselves, — living and weaving out their own destiny. A bright, cheery lot they are too, with round yellow eyes that look at us frankly and without showing the slightest signs of drowsiness. There is very little sleep allowed in their households, hardly even forty winks ; and yet they do not want for beauty. They are always fresh and bright and wide-awake. S. dadecaudra, or large sabbatia, is a beautiful species, whose blooms are rosy pink, or white. The corolla is fuller than that of the preceding flower and often as much as two and a quarter inches broad. On the borders of brackish ponds, es- pecially in southern New Jersey, it is found in great abundance. S. campatiul^ta (Plate XXXI.) is readily known by the length of its sepals, which is unusually great, equal, in fact, to that of the petals. Throughout Massachusetts, and especially about Plymouth, the sabbatia is held in great admiration, almost reverence. It is called the rose of Plymouth, and it is generally believed that its generic name is associated with the pilgrims having first beheld it on the sabbath day. Facts, however, that are often just a trifle PLATE XXX!. SEA-PINK. Sabbat ia campamilata. 74 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. disagreeable, tell us this is an unfounded notion which has been circulated within the last thirty years ; and that the genus is named for an early botanist, Liberatus Sabbatia. VENUS'S FLY-TRAP. {^Plate XXXII) Dz'oncsa ?nuscipula. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Sundew. I.k'/iite. Sceniless. WilmiKgton, N. C. Spring. Flowers: growing on a scape in a flat-topped umbel. Calyx: of five sepals. Corolla : of five, obcordate petals. Stamens : fifteen. Pistil ; one ; stigma, fringed and lobed. Leaves : long and narrow; terminated by a "bristly bordered trap ; green or crimson inside. Even the flowers must crane their necks and gaze in wonder at the uncanny actions of the Venus's fly-trap : a creature of most cunning devices. The trap-like appendage that termi- nates each leaf is set, so to speak, when the sun shines. Its brilliant lining piques the curiosity of small insects, which, un- conscious of the wise maxim, to look with one's eyes and not with one's fingers, attempt to investigate for themselves. No sooner does one arrive and brush against the bristles that line the edge of the trap, than the latter closes and crushes the life out of the intruder. In adroitness it can well vie with the spider. The poor guileless fly is then prepared for digestion by a secretion from minute glands that line the inner surface of the leaves. His end is in assimilation and affording nourish- ment to the plant. Should the fly by any chance effect an escape, the trap would then innocently open and again await its opportunity. ROUND-LEAVED SUNDEW. Drosera rotioidifblia. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Sundew. White. Scentless. Northern atid eastern. Alidsumvier. Flowers : small ; growing on one side of a raceme-like cluster at the end of a naked scape that uncoils as the flowers expand. Calyx : of five sepals. Corolla: of five petals. Stamens : five to fifteen. Pistil: one, with a deeply three or five parted style. Leaves: rounded; provided with leafstalks; the upper surface rough and sticky. The edge of the leaf fringed with reddish bristles. When the sun shines upon the leaves of this little bog herb PLATE XXXII. VENUSS FLV-TRAP. Dlona-a muscipiila. COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY. PPIN-'ED rN AMFRICA PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. 75 they are, poetically speaking, covered with sparkling drops of dew ; but which in stern reality we find to be a glutinous exu- dation that serves to entice insects to visit them and then to hold them fast. The red bristles complete the capture by clos- ing tightly over the victim ; and he is prepared for digestion very much in the same manner as is practiced by the Venus's fly-trap. The range of the sundew is not so restricted, and it is worth one's while to search it out and try the experiment of feeding it with flies, so as to put oneself on a plane beyond sur- prise at the actions of the insectivorous plants. SOUTHERN LOBELIA. Lobelia amcena. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Lobelia. Blue or white. Scentless. Florida to South Carolina September^ October. and westward. Flowers : growing profusely in a close, one-sided raceme with many small bracts. Calyx : of five linear lobes ; the sinuses without appendages. Corolla : long, irregularly five-lobed. Stamens: five, the filaments united into a tube. Pistil: one ; stigma two-lobed, and about it a ring of hairs. Leaves : scattered ; oblong ; the lower ones on petioles ; the upper ones nearly sessile. Steryi : two to four feet high ; erect. In the rich soil of the southern swamps we find this lobelia. If it were colourless we would probably pass it by ; but its bright blue or pure white enchain us and we forgive it its happy-go-lucky, ragged, unkempt appearance. SALT-HARSH FLEABANE. Pliichea camphor at a. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Composite. Pale lavender pink. Strongly scented. Along the coast. September. Flower-heads : composed of small, tubular flowers arranged in a flat corymb. Leaves : sessile ; oblong ; toothed ; rough. Stefn : with small, hairy glands. It is not until the early autumn that this little plant unfolds its pale bloom in the marshes. We are strongly reminded of the everlastings by its manner of growth ; and if we try hard enough we may imagine its odour to be like that of camphor, as its generic name implies. TIME OF BLOOM er. 76 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. SWAMP MILKWEED. Asdepias iiicarndta. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE Milkweed. Crimson. Scentless. Maine to Louisiana. 'juTy^Sefleml Flowers: perfect; regular; growing in terminal umbels. Calyx- of five sepa s the tube very short Corolla ; funnel-form, with five reflexed lobes that nearly hide the sepals 1 he next inner row of upright bodies are hoods, or nectaries that enclose five little incurved horns ; and under these horns are the stamens and pistils. Sfa7ne7ts : five, with fringed tips that are not the anthers Afitkers: attached to the short filaments by their bases and uniting and en- closing the pistils. Fallen : in distinct little masses within the anthers • two being attached together by a thread. Fislils : two; united above into a flat sticky disk. Frint : a pair of pods with numerous seeds and soft, silky hairs • seldom more than one becoming fully developed. Lea^Jes : narrow; oblone • somewhat heart-shaped at base. Stem: two to three feet high; very leaflv' smooth, with little milky juice. ^ ^' Of this very striking and handsome family Professor Britton says: "There are about 220 genera and 1900 species of very wide distribution." The flowers are difficult, but not impossible, for the non- botanist to analyse ; and the attempt will at all events pique one's curiosity enough to encourage him to pry closely into their intricacies. The milkweeds are entirely dependent on insects for fertiliza- tion ; as the pollen masses lie too low in the blossoms to reach the stigma. It is for this reason that they have provided them- selves with the little hoods that hold the nectar, as it could not be retained by the reflexed corolla lobes. Bees, therefore, visit the plants gladly, and when their feet become entangled in the tiny thread that holds together the pollen masses they carry them off without complaining. A. Syriaca, page 280, Plate CXLIV. A. lanceolata, {Plate XXXIII) is a brilliant variety of the swamps that occurs southward from New Jersey to Florida and Texas. The umbels have but few flowers, very large and showy, and are of an intense orange-red colour. It blooms in July and August. PLATE XXXlll ( MILKWEED. Asclepias lanceolata. (ASHY MILKWEED. Asclepias cinerea. COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY. PRINTED IN AMERICA. PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. 77 ASHY MILKWEED. (Plate XXXIIJ,) Asclepias cinirea. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Milkweed. Purple without^ ask coloured within. Scentless, Florida to South Carolina. July^August. Flowers : small ; growing in umbels. (See A. incarnata^ page 76.) Leaves : opposite; lanceolate, or linear narrowing into a petiole. Stem: one to two feet high ; erect ; slender ; somewhat pubescent. This lovely species of milkweed is found mostly in wet barrens. It is one of our shy and well-bred weeds which must look with disdain upon the bad manners of the numerous European plants that have made their homes in this country. GOLDEN-ROD, Solidcigo nligsfibsa is a 'golden-rod that we find in the peat bogs. It is one of the earliest of the genus to come into bloom, often budding out in July. The small flowers are closely crowded in long, narrow panicles ; and the leaves are lanceolate and pointed. Those of the root sometimes grow to a great length. S.J>dtHla, rough-leaved or spreading golden-rod, is a swamp species that has flower-heads growing in short racemes. The long leaves are noticeable from their very rough upper surface and being smooth on the under side. S.juncea,pagQ 136, Plate LXIX. SWAilP ASTERN. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Composite. Purple, blue or white. Scentless. General. Late sitmmei' and early auluntn, Floaver-heads : composed of tubular and ligulate flowers; or ray and disk flowers. The rays purple, blue or white and the disks yellow. NEW ENGLAND ASTERS. Aster NbvcE-Anglice, The rich soil of the swamps and low grounds can boast as lovely members of the aster family as any field, or roadside 78 PLANTS GROWING IN MUD. bank. The common New England aster is tall and stately ; from four to eight feet high. It is heavily foliaged with clasp- ing, lanceolate leaves and its flower-heads are arranged in large, dense corymbs. The many rays are a beautiful violet purple, or sometimes a soft magenta. A.punkeus is an accompanying flower of the swamps. It also is tall, but cannot vie with the above, as its utmost height ap- pears to be about seven feet. Its long, slender rays vary in colour from pale lilac blue to dark purple. The leaves are long with a projection like ears at the base. On the upper side they are quite rough. Ddellingeria umbellctta is the white representative of the swamps, and grows quite as tall as, if not taller than, the purple varieties. Its flower-heads are clustered rather flatly in com- pound corymbs : a mark by which it may be identified. The lower leaves are very long and the stem leafy to the top. A. nemoralis^ or bog aster, grow's from one to two feet tall and has pretty lilac-rayed flowers. The leaves are sessile, long, rigid and distinctly marked by their margins that roll back- wards. The plant is quite rough. Sandy and dry-soil asters, Plate CXXXIII. Plants Growing in Moist Soil: Low Meadows and by Running Streams. ** Now when it flowerethy And when the banks and fields Are greener every day^ And sweet is each bird's breath In the tree where he builds Singing after his way^ Spring comes to ns with hasty steps and briefs Everywhere is leafy And everywhere snakes people laugh and play y Rinaldo U Aquino, LARGER BLUE FLAG. FLEUR-DE-LIS* (Plate XXXIV:) Iris versicolor.' FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Iris. Royal ^urple^variegated with Scentless.- Southward to May ^ June, white^ yellow and green. the Gulf. JF/owers : Izrge ; solitary; growing at the ends of the flower-stalks and branches. jPermnl/t : of six divisions united below into a tube; the three outer ones spreading, with abundance of yellow ; the three inner ones, erect and smaller. Stamens: three ; hidden under the overarching style. Pistil: one, with a three-cleft, petal-like style that arches over its own stigmas. Leaves : equitant, or folded lengthwise ; sword-shaped ; mostly at the base of the stem. Stem : stout ; leafy ; branched above ; glaucous. Juno, as we must all agree, was a goddess of rare taste. For her favourite bird she chose the peacock, and her attendant, or messenger, was Iris, the goddess of the rainbow. In this regal 8o PLANTS GROWING IN MOIST SOIL. flower it would seem as though we have a touch of the spirit and pride of Juno. When it unfolds itself, with an almost con- scious air of its own beauty, we are reminded of the bird that opens and parades his gorgeous tail, whenever he finds himself the centre of admiration. And a bit of Iris's scarf must have been wafted to it for its gown ; for the colours blend together while being distinct, as in the rainbow. The ancients thought the iris a sacred flower and associated it with the future state of the blessed. The graceful beauty is, however, not all fuss and feathers. It has the same wisdom as many unpretentious flowers and knows how to accomplish its mission in the world. Ely a deep central veining it informs tlie bee of the road he must travel to reach the land of nectar ; and when he has sipped and raises his head from under the anthers, the careless fellow finds his back heavy with gold that he must carry off to the stigma of another flower. Indeed, of all politicians the bees are the most conscientious. CRESTED DWARF-IRIS. (Plate XXXV.) Iris cristata. This is one of the sturdy dwarf irises, which follows the Al- leghanies and chooses the rocky banks of streams for its dwell- ing place. It blossoms in April and May and is of a soft violet blue. The flower is spreading, with a much longer tube than that of the I, versicolar. Its outer divisions are prettily crested. The leaves are not conspicuous ; lanceolate and clasping. POINTED BLUE-EYED GRASS, {Plate XXXVI.) Sisyrfnchtum angustifblium, FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Iris. Blue with yellow centre. Scentless. General. MnyAugtut. Flowers : solitary ; growing from a pair of green bracts. Perianth : of six divisions that terminate in a sharp point. Stamens: three. Pistil: one. Leaves: linear; grass-like; pale; glaucous. These bright little peep-eyes that attract our attention among PLATE XXXIV. LARGER BLUE FLAG. Ins versicolor. COPYR(GHT, 1899, BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPAW" PRINTED IN AMERICA PLATE XXXV. CRESTED DWARF-IRIS. Iris cristata. (8i) 82 PLANTS GROWING IN MOIST SOIL. the summer grass in the moist meadows, impress us with the idea that they have come out to show us that all the grass could bloom as beautifully, if it had the mind to do so ; and that if we were good, as it is said to the children, we might some day find our fields covered with their sparkling little faces. They dislike being picked, and after they have been severed from their stem, shrivel almost immediately, YELL0W"-ADDER*5 TONGUE. DOG'S-TOOTH VIOLET. (^Plate XXXVII) Erythrbnuan Amerzcanum. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Liiy. Pale yellow^ tinged with j^urple. Scentless. Throughout the east. March-May. Flowers: terminal; solitary; nodding. Perianth: of six, slender, recurved divisions, streaked with, and the underside of, purple. Stamens: six. Pistil: one; stj'le, club-shaped. Leaves: two only; oblong; pointed; spotted with dark purple and white. Stem : rising from a corni. The names of this beautiful flower are rather confusing, and bring. to the mind objects of entirely different aspect from that of the one to which they relate. *' Dog's-tooth," we are told, refers to a supposed resemblance of the roots of the plant to the canine teeth of a dog ; but this would not help the wan- derer by the woodland brook to any great extent, as the roots are commonly hidden. Why the name of violet was ever at- tached to it, is rather a mystery ; and in any case must have been from a purely imaginative idea. If one of its names must be used, it were better to choose yellow-adder's tongue, which at least gives a clue to its colour ; and the marking of i'ts leaves is not dissimilar to an adder's skin. But how much prettier and more appropriate are the names of fawn lily, or trout lily, which have been suggested by Mr. Burroughs. At night the flower gently closes. E. albidum^ the white species, is similar in appearance. It bears a bluish-white flower and the leaves are not nearly so spotted. It is commonly found farther west than Pennsylvania. PLATE XXXVl POINTED BLUE-EYED GRASS. Sisyyinchiuma7igustifolium. COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY. PRINTED IN AMERICA. PLANTS GROWING IN MOIST SOIL. 83 WILD YELLOW LILY. MEADOW LILY, Lilium Canadinse. FAMILY COLOUR ^ ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM LUy. Yellow^ spotted with Scentless. New England^ south- June, July rich brown, ward and westward. Flcnvers: terminal; solitary, or a few; nodding. Perianth : ol six, deeply parted divisions that curve towards the base, where there is a honey-bearing spot. Stamens: six. Pistil: one; stigma, three-lobed. Leaves: whorled about the stem; narrowly oblong ; parallel-veined. Stem: erect, £rom a scaly bulb. When we walk in the meadows and read the aristocracy of the flowers we find that the golden lilies are very noble. They seem to have none of the democratic, bohemian instincts of our pretty chicory and its playmates. They are so grave and dignified. No doubt fate has whispered to them that they were only to nod their heads through the ages of poetry, or to en- courage the beautiful in art. And their influence is very far reaching; sometimes whole meadows will be radiant with them as they extend their way down to the marshes. Of about fifty species of the north temperate zone, the meadow lily is one of the five that are native to the eastern United States. L. Carolinianum^ or the Carolina lily, {Plate XXXVIII) is very slight in its variations from the meadow lily ; although a still more gorgeous flower. The leaves are broader and its orange- red colour is tipped with a highly brilliant crimson. The spots that colour the longitudinal anthers are of the darker brown. TURK*5-CAP LILY. Lih'um supirbuin. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Lily^ OrAnge^ spotted with. Scentless. Maine to Minnesota^ July^ August, purple. ajid southward. Flowers: nodding; growing in a pyramidal cluster of three to forty blos- soms arranged in rows. Periafith : of six, recurved divisions. Sta?nens : six ; anthers, linear, attached at the middle. Pistil: one; stigma, three-lobed. Leaves : whorled ; sessile ; lanceolate. Sle?n : often eight feet high. Perhaps we have no other flower so truly majestic in its bearing as the Turk's-cap lily. It is very generous of its bloom and is 84 PLANTS GROWING IN MOIST SOIL. most gorgeous in the sunshine,when the slanting rays of the sun upon the petals appear like a luminous maze of changing colours. About Cape Cod it is very common, and all along the New England coast it grows in great profusion. BLAZING STAR. DEVIL'S BIT. DROOPING STAR- WORT. Chamcclirium luteujn. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM MuAtch-dower. ^Yhiic. Scentless. Mostly south and "west. May-July. Flowers: small; staminate and pistillate; nodding; growing in a spike-like raceme. Leaves: lanceolate; becoming linear; sessile. Basal leaves: spat- ulate ; tapering into a long petiole. These wand-like racemes of inoffensive little flowers make us wonder what mischief they could ever have indulged in to have been connected with the devil. In fact, it is even incon- siderate of that individual not to have chosen for him a bit of more substance. STOUT STENANTHIUM. {Plate XXXIX.) Stendnt/n'um robiHstum. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Bunch-flower. White., with green Scentless. Penn. southward July, August, centre. and westward. Flowers: clustered in a long, panicled, light raceme. Perianth: of six lance-like, pointed divisions. Stamens: six, short, Fiitil: one. Leaves: linear; grass-like; nerved. Stem: erect; high. A lovely, high, waving plant which bends and sways with the cool breezes on the lonely prairie, or in the moist meadows. Its stately air and soft colouring recall to mind a fair debutante in spotless tulle with long streamers of green satin ribbon. No less than she is the flower a belle of the prairies. FOUR-WINGED SNOWDROP TREE. {Plate XL.) Mohrodendron Carolznum. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Storax. White. Scentless. Mostly south and west. March, April. Flowers: growing in loose racemes along the branches. Calyx: short; four-toothed. Corolla : bell-shaped ; drooping ; four, or five parted. Stamens : \ ?!^ H PLATE XXXVll. YELLOW-ADDER'S TONGUE. E}ythyoniu}ii Amcricaniim. COPYRIGHT, 1899 BY FREDERICK A. BTOKES COMPANY. PRINTED IN AMERICA. PLATE XX.XIX. STOUT STENANTHIUM. Stcnanthiicm robiaium. (85) S6 PLANTS GROWING IN MOIST SOIL.. eight to sixteen. Pistil: one. Fruit: oblong; two to £our-winged. Leaves: ovate-oblong; toothed ; slightly pubescent underneath. A shrub or small tree "with soft wood. This beautiful tree is one of the very few species that are natives of southeastern North America. It is not so chary of its snowdrops as those dear little plants that we see about country dooryards ; and which tell us so plainly that the spring is coming. The blossoms appear in abundance with, or before, the leaves and cover the tree with gems of pure beauty. We are sometimes so fortunate as to chancfe upon it in moist woods, but more often by the side of some sparkling stream. CHOKE-CHERRY. {Plate XLL) Priitius Virginiana, FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Plum. White. Scentless. New England sotdh to Georgia Aprils May. and west to Colorado. Flowers: clustered in short, close racemes. Calyx: tubular; bell-shaped; iive-lobed. Corolla: of five tiny petals. Starn^ns : numerous. Pistil: one. Fruit : a beautiful, bright red berry which turns to dark crimson as the season advances. The stone and kernel of the fruit have the flavour of, and contain prussic acid. Leaves: alternate; oval; pointed; sharply serrate, A tall shrub, or small tree with dark, greyish bark. The beautiful drooping bunches of fruit that ripen in July or August are even more attractive by the side of some running stream than the choke-cherry's closely packed racemes of dainty bloom. One should not, however, be tempted to test their beauty by tasting, as the flavour is most astringent. MEADOW-SWEET. QUEEN-OF-THE-MEADOWS. Spir&a salicifblza, FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Rose. Pink or white. Scentless^ New England southward. June., July and August. Flowers: small; clustered in panicles. Calyx: of five cleft sepals. Corolla: of five rounded petals. Stamens: very numerous. Pistils: five to eight. Leaves: alternate; lanceolate; toothed; veined with a much lighter colour and single small leaflets at their bases. Stem : rather smooth ; highly coloured. The sweet, fleecy daintiness of the meadow-sweet which greets us in the low, moist meadows must have been the inspir- ation that gave it its common name, as it is unfortunately with- '^ '/\Mh V'ril^ May. nating in yellow. cinnamon. Flowers : two to twenty growing in a terminal umbel, and on pedicels that curve within the flower. Calyx : reflected; five-parted. Corolla : of five rather linear divisions ; strongly reflexed. Stamens : commonly five, the linear anthers forming a cone. Pistil: one, protruding. Leaves: from the root; obovate to lanceolate. Scape : three to fifteen inches high ; erect. Those that write concerning the primroses must acknowledge that this one is the most pert, the most saucy looking, and the most attractive of them all. Its common name of shooting- star appears well adapted to it ; and although it is not a widely- known plant, it is one that once seen seldom passes out of the remembrance. There are several species of Dodecatheon, which vary greatly. The one growing in the Central States is known as Pride of Ohio, PLATE XLIII. COLORADO SHOOTING-STAR. Dodecaiheon Meadia fHgidum, <92) FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE Primrosi, Yellow^ marked with Scentless. Common north brownish red. and south. PLANTS GROWING IN MOIST SOIL. 93 BULB-BEARINQ LOOSESTRIFE. Lyswtachia terristris. TIME OF BLOOM June, July. Flowers : growing on long pedicels in a terminal, leafy raceme. Calyx : of five, or six sepals. Corolla : wheel-shaped; of five oblong segments. Stamens ., four or five, with miited filaments. Pistil : one. Leaves : abundant; opposite ,' long; pointed at each end; darkly spotted. Stem: upright; leafy; branching' This bright, cheery plant, with others of its family, has the reputation of having a peace-loving heart. Ancient supersti- tion that clings about it tells us it is particularly disposed to exercise its soothing influence upon cattle that are quarrelling, when a spray of it laid upon their yokes will cause them to be- come as gentle as the proverbial lamb. But unless the farmer has, in case of emergency, provided himself with this loosestrife, we may imagine he would have some difficulty in guiding his fractious beasts to search for it by the brooks, or in the wet meadows that lead to the marshes. FRINGED LOOSESTRIFE. Steironema ciltdtmn. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Primrose. Yellow, with dull red Scentless. Mostly south June, July. centre. and west. F7owgrs : 3.x\\la.Ty ; on long peduncles. Calyx: of five green sepals, sharply pointed. Or^/Az.* wheel-shaped ; of five segments. Stamens : ^ve. Pistil: one. Leaves: opposite; lanceolate; wavy on the edges. Sle?n : two to four feet high; upright; rather rough. During the summer these pretty flowers may be found in the moist soil of thickets. It is owing to a close resemblance to the loosestrifes that their English name has been bestowed on them. S, lanceoldtuniy or lance-leaved loosestrife, is a similar species. Its leaves are on petioles, or almost sessile, and from their axils arise the slender stalks that bear the' flowers. 94 PLANTS GROWING IN MOIST SOIL. SMALL WILLOW HERB. Epilbbiimi colonUwn, FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Evening^ primrose. Pale viagetita. Scentless. General. Summer. Flowers : small ; slightly nodding ; growing in terminal corymbs. Calyx : of four parted sepals. Corolla : of four spreading petals notched at the apex. Slamens : eight. Pistil : one; stigma, club-shaped. Seeds : tufted with brown hairs. Leaves : opposite ; lanceolate ; toothed and veined with purple. Slem : tall; rather smooth. We can hardly venture into any meadow during the summer that is moist enough to wet our feet without seeing this little herb. Its relative, the great willow herb, is found mostly along the roadsides and on clearings that have been burned over. HAIRY WILLOW HERB. Epilbbium hirshtum. The hairiness of this plant serves to distinguish it from the preceding one. It also grows to a greater height and its petals area lovely, rosy pink. The uncultivated, moist soil of waste places is its favourite dwelling place. COMMON FRINGE TREE. Chi07idnihus Virginica. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Olive, Snow white. Scentless. New Jersey and South- May, June. em Penn. southward. Flo7vers : growing in loose panicles. Calyx : very small ; tubular. Corolla : of four petals, three quarters of an inch long, which barely unite at the base. Stamens : two ; very short. Pistil : one. Fruit : bluish purple ; glaucous. Leaves: large ; ovate ; the lower part downy. A shrub, or low branching tree. The pure loveliness of this shrub is one of the things that must be seen and come into close contact with before it can be fully appreciated. When along the river banks the cool zephyrs play through its snow-white, slender petals and we sit down beside it ; we long for its soft, gentle swaying never to cease, and think lovingly of our castles in the air and the fairy tales that enchanted us in childhood. PLATE XLIV. TRUMPET FLOWER. Tecoma radicans. COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY. PRINTED IN AMERICA. PLANTS GROWING IN MOIST SOIL. 9^ TRUMPET=FLOWER. TRUMPET-CREEPER. {Plate XLIV.) Tecoina radicans. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Bignonia. Ora?ige,yeiiow and Scentless. Ne7v Jersey south- July, August, scarlet. avard and westwc-d. Flmuers : very showy; axillary; growing in terminal corymbs. Calyx : five- toothed. Corolla : two and a half inches long; trumpet shaped with five lobes, veined on the inside. Sta?nens : four, in pairs, two shorter than the others. Pistil : owt. Leaves: odd-pinnate; opposite; with four or five pairs of ovate pointed, toothed leaflets. Stem : woody, climbing by aerial rootlets. Fod : long, a little flattened. To watch the way in which this bold vine climbs by means of the aerial rootlets that spring from the stem, is a good lesson in moral philosophy. It appears to take vigourous delight in its upward course, and in showing us its belief in the survival of the fittest, by crushing out any weaker plant that comes within its reach. We almost take a step backward to view it from a safer distance. Its abundant growth and the difficulty in extirpating it makes it a rather troublesome weed in some of the western states. In the east it is cultivated as one of our most beautiful climbers. WILD RED=OSIER DOGWOOD. Corfitts stolonifera. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Dogwood. White. Scentless. General. June, July. Flozuers : small ; growing in spreading cymes. Calyx : tiny ; four-toothed. Corolla: of four oblong petals. Stamens: four. Pistil: one. Friiit : nearly white. Leaves : ovate, with rounded bases, whitish beneath ; rough. A shrub of stocky growth; conspicuous from its bright red branches. PANICLED CORNEL, OR DOGWOOD. Cdrims cafididisszma. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM 'dogwood. White. Scentless. Maine to North Ju7ie,Jjily. Carolina and westward. Flowers : small ; growing in loose cymes. Calyx, Corolla, Stamens, and Pistil : as in the preceding species. Fruit: white. Leaves : lanceolate, the un- der part white. A shrub about six or eight feet high with smooth branches, the colour of ashes. Both of these dogwoods are conspicuous among the shrubbery 96 PLANTS GROWING IN MOIST SOIL. that borders streams and damp thickets ; and we sometimes find the C. stoloiiifera also sauntering towards the swamps in its desire to quench its thirst for moisture. The little flowers are very similar in arrangement to those of C, Florida^ page i6o, Plate LXXXI. We cannot but lament, however, that they are without the petal-like involucre that is the beautiful feature of the dogwood family. BULBOUS CRESS. Cardamhie biilbbsa. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Mustard. White or pinkish. Scentless. Mostly tiorth. Aprils May. Flowers : rather large ; growing in terminal clusters. Calyx : of four spread- ing sepals that fall early. Corolla : of four cruciferous petals. Sta?nens : six, of which two are shorter than the others. Pistil : owe. Pod: flat; lanceolate. Leaves : roundish ; cordate ; becoming ovate, or lanceolate as they ascend the stem ; toothed. Stem : erect ; slender. Rootstock : tuberous. This is perhaps the prettiest of our cresses. It has an agree- able bitter taste which appeals to us as being particularly re- freshing when we find it beside the trickling, sparkling stream that it loves so well. CUT-LEAVED TOOTHWORT. PEPPER-ROOT. Denta7-ia lacitiiata. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Mustard. White or pinkish Scentless. Ne^v England south- April-June, purple. ward and westward. Flowers : growing in a terminal raceme. Calyx : of four sepals that fall early. Corolla: of four cruciferous petals. Stameits : six, of which two are shorter than the others. Pistil: one. /'^a'; lance-shaped. Leaves: in whorls of threes ; each leaf being divided into linear, gash-toothed divisions. Stem : erect; simple. Rootstock: tuberous. The cut-leaved toothwort is a near relative of the toothwort of the rich woods. Its taste for water, however, has induced it to stray from the family environment to the banks of streams. Here, no doubt, it has further offended its family by putting on style, or, to be explicit, by adding another leaf to its stem. And those of the woods cannot cry out against it, for its rootstock is quite as edible as their own. .^V. BUTTON-BUSH. Ccphalanthus occidcntalis. COPYRIGHT, 1899, BY FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY. PRINTED IN AMERICA. PLANTS GROWING IN MOIST SOIL. 97 DWARF CASSANDRA. LEATHER=LEAF. Chamccddphne calycidata. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Heath. White. Scentless. Throughout the tniddle states. Early spring. Flowers : small ; growing in one-sided, open leafy racemes. Ca/yx : of five sepals, having a pair of bracts at the base. Corolla : cylinder-shaped with a five-lobed border. Stamens : ten. I'/stil ; one. Leaves : oblong ; in texture like leather ; glossy above and dull beneath. An evergreen, branching shrub ; two to four feet high. The English name of these plants is suggestive of the texture of the leaves, which is like leather. We find them in swamps and bogs as well as in the moist soil of low meadows. BUTTON-BUSH. RIVER-BUSH. GLOBE FLOWER. HON EYEBALLS, (/"/ale XLV.) Cephdlanth us occtde7italis. FAMILY COLOUR ODOUR RANGE TIME OF BLOOM Madder, White. Very fragrant. General. July, August. Flowers : small ; clustered in a spherical head. Calyx : four-lobed. Corolla : tubular ; four-lobed ; within hairy. Stamens : four. Pistil : one, protruding, with a button-like stigma. Leaves ; opposite, or whorled in threes ; oval ; on petioles ; stipules between the leaves. A shrub five to ten feet high, with rough, grey bark. The button-bush is like the children that cannot believe they are by the water until they have taken off their shoes and stockings and gone in paddling. It has usually its lowest stems and roots immersed in some brook or river ; and we are invariably delighted with the curious, quaint effect of its bloom. The flower-heads are like little pin-cushions full of pins. Their perfect symmetry and the beauty of each flower when examined separately makes them a pleasing study. BLUETS. QUAKER LADIES. {Plate XL VI) Houstbnia c