Wild-Flower Study 581 



joints; it is translucent, filled with moisture, and its outer covering is a 

 smooth silken skin, which may be readily stripped off. Both species of 

 jewelweed vary in the color of their stems, some being green, others red 

 and some dark purple ; and all the differing colors may be found within a 

 few yards of each other. 



The leaves are alternate, dark green above and a lighter shade below, 

 ovate in form with scalloped edges, with midrib and veins very prominent 

 beneath and depressed on the upper side; they are smooth on both sides 

 to the unaided eye, but with a lens a film of fine, short hairs may be seen, 

 particularly on the under side. When plunged beneath clear water, they 

 immediately take on the appearance of burnished silver; when removed, 

 no drop remains on their surface. 



The flower stems spring from the axils of the leaves and are very 

 slender and thread-like, and the flowers nod and swing with every breeze. 

 They grow in open, drooping clusters, few blossoms open at a time, and 

 with buds and seed-capsules present in various stages of growth. 



The jewelweed is involuntarily most hospitable, and always houses 

 many uninvited guests, as well as the bee-callers which are invited. Galls 

 are formed on the leaves and flowers ; the hollow stems are inhabited by 

 stalk-borers ; leaf-miners live between the upper and under surfaces of the 

 leaves, making curious arabesque patterns and initials as if embroidering 

 milady's green gown. 



LESSON CXLV 

 THE JEWELWEED, OR TOUCH-ME-NOT 



Leading thought The jewelweed may be found by the brookside, in 

 swamps, or in any damp and well-shaded area. It is provided with a 

 remarkable contrivance for scattering its seeds far afield. It has no 

 liking for open sunny places, unless very damp. There are two kinds, 

 often found growing together, though the spotted touch-me-not (Im- 

 patiens biflora] is said to be more widely distributed than its relative the 

 golden, or pale, touch-me-not (Impatiens aurea). 



Method The jewelweeds should be studied where they are growing; 

 but if this is impracticable, a large bouquet of both kinds (if possible), 

 bearing buds, blossoms, and seed-capsules, and one or two plants with 

 roots, may be brought to the schoolroom. 



In the fields the children may see how well the plant is provided 

 with means to sustain itself in its chosen ground, and thus lead them 

 to look with keener eyes at other common weeds. 



Observations i . Do you think the jewelweed is an annual, sustaining 

 life in its seeds during winter, or do its roots survive? 



2. Do the roots strike deeply into the soil, or spread near the surface? 



3. Study the stem; is it hard and woody or juicy and translucent, 

 rough or smooth, solid or hollow? 



4. Note the shape and position of the leaves; do they grow opposite 

 or alternately on the stalk? Are their edges entire, toothed or scalloped? 

 Do they vary in color on upper and lower surface? Are they smooth or 

 in the least degree rough or hairy? Plunge a plant under clear water in a 

 good light and observe the beautiful transformation. Does the water 

 cling to the leaves? 



