BULBOUS CROWFOOT. — 63 
The nectary, the never failing concomitant of this 
genus, is a small cavity at the inside of the claw 
of each petal, generally covered by a flat scale, 
sometimes surrounded with a concave brim, and 
at others inclosed in a short cylinder.. A subtle 
and violent acrimony, on which the medical 
properties seem to depend, is found in most, if 
not in all, of the species. — ; | 
The species bulbosus has celta se 
an erect many flowered stem, a furrowed peduncle, 
reflexed calyx, and bulbous root. It grows gen- 
erally in dry pastures, mowing lands and road sides, 
flowering abundantly in May and the first part of 
June, after which it gives place to its equally 
abundant successors, R. acris and repens, which, 
however, generally prefer a more moist. soil. 
These three species, having flowers of similar 
size and appearance, are indiscriminately known 
by the name of Buitercups. Their distinction 
affords a pleasing instance of different combina- 
tions of features, forming separate characters for 
similar plants. ‘The R. bulbosus has a furrowed 
flower-stalk and reflexed calyx; KR. repens a 
furrowed flower-stalk and spreading calyx, and 
R. acris a round flower-stalk and_ i 
OF be : 
