_ SOLANUM DULCAMARA. 
Bitter sweet. 
PLATE XVII. 
Waerner the plant represented in our plate 
is originally of American growth, or has been in- 
troduced since the discovery of this continent, it 
is now difficult to say. It is certainly a hardy 
vegetable, and although its natural soil is at the 
water side, yet it easily becomes habituated to 
shady, fertile ground of almost any elevation. 
The most luxuriant specimens are found about 
brooks and ditches and in sheltered situations, 
where the roots have free access to water. In these 
places the stalks frequently extend some way on 
the surface, sending down a multitude of radicles 
into the mud below. When the plant grows in 
higher ground and more exposed to the light, its 
growth is restricted, and the flowers are less bril- 
liant in colour. | | 
