28 GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS. 
ed for ready absorption and slow perspiration, so 
that it derives from the dews and rain, what the 
earth fails to supply it. 
The Gaultheria procumbens is remarkable for 
the different periods of producing its flowers and 
fruit. It is found in blossom not only in the 
éarly part of spring, but in the last weeks of sum- 
mer, and the fruit is found ripe at corresponding 
periods. Whether this appearance is the product 
of different shoots, or whether the same stems 
blossom twice in a year, I am unable to say. I 
have, however, met with beds of the Gaultheria 
in full flower in August and September, quite as 
frequently as in May. I have also seen the fruit 
in the market at various penis of the summer, 
fall, and spring. : 
The plant takes its vulgar names from the 
fruit, and is denominated in different parts of the 
United States, Partridge berry, Chequer berry, 
Box berry, $c. Its domestic use has also given 
it the name of Mountain tea. 
The genus Gaultheria is beautifully sin gular 
and distinct in its character, derived from the 
form of its fruit. The calyx is five cleft, caly- 
culated, or bibracteate at base. Corolla ovate. 
Capsule jive celled, invested with the baccated 
calyx. 
