BLUE LOBELIA 



lobed stigma, itself surrounded by a ring of short, 

 white hairs. The calyx lobes are hairy and eared. . 



A well-grown plant produces a mass of brilliant blue 

 flowers which adorn the waysides from August until 

 October. In the wild it will, under favorable circum- 

 stances produce flower spikes, twelve to eighteen 

 inches long: if fed and protected doubtless would do 

 far better. 



. In considering the possibilities of our wild plants 

 one should remember that what they achieve of stalk 

 and flower is done under the law of competition; they 

 live where they must; they accompHsh what they 

 can. But reheved from this struggle for existence and 

 placed in the less strenuous environment of the garden, 

 if the essential conditions are congenial, the plant 

 will improve. 



227 



