644 



Handbook oj Nature-Study 



the leaves have fallen, thus giving the stem an unkempt look. The 

 leaves are of various shapes, although of one general pattern; they are 

 circular and beautifully scalloped and lobed, with veins for every lobe 

 radiating from the petiole; they are velvety above and of quite different 



Horseshoe Geranium. 

 Photo by Sheldon. 



Note the positions of the opened flowers and the buds. Note the shape of the two upper 

 petals with their guide-lines, showing the position of the nectar-gland. The flower at the left, seen 

 in profile, shows that these upper petals project farther forward than those below. Note_ the 

 cluster of young buds set in a circlet of bracts just below this flower. 



texture beneath, and many show the dark horseshoe which gives the name 

 to this variety. The petiole is usually long and stiff and the leaves are set 

 alternately upon the stem. 



The flower has five petals, and at first glance they seem of much the 

 same shape and position ; but if we look at them carefully, we see that the 

 upper two are much narrower at the base and project farther forward than 



