THE PLANT WOKLD 155 



caraway are all familiar as weeds, but are decorative, and should be 

 made familiar to clnldreu, iu order tliat they may avoid poisonous 

 species. 



Dogivood Family. — The popularity of the showy flowers and fruit of 

 this tree render it particuarly difiicult to protect it in our parks and 

 suburbs; it is still fairly abundant in Richmond, and should be preserved 

 in all private parks, cemeteries and grounds. Other species of cornels are 

 also worthy of cultivation, as well as the tupelo and white alder, belong- 

 ing to the Clethra family. 



Wintergreen Family. — The manufacture of oil from the leaves has 

 materially reduced the supply of this delightful plant; modern substitutes 

 may give it a chance to recuperate. The i^yrolas also deserve protection, 

 as well as the pipsissewa, prince's pine and Indian pipe. 



Heath Family. — This family is rich in ornamental shrubs, which 

 always fall victims to vandals in our parks and suburbs. Wild azaleas, 

 rhododendron, laurel, are always denuded of their showy blossoms, 

 and the laurel loses its leaves in winter for Christmas greens, hence it 

 is on the verge of extinction in Highbridge and Bronx Parks; in both places 

 it was once abundant. The last plants of trailing arbutus also have 

 disappeared from the region within the last year. Owners of private 

 places where the latter i^lant grows will have to protect it, if they want 

 to preserve it. Blueberries are so desirable for their fruit, that large 

 tracts in New Jersey and Long Island have been burned over, in order 

 to increase their growth. The taller species are very decorative. 



Biajjemia Family. — The pyxie is rapidly sharing the fate of the 

 trailing arbutus. Galax is being used to such an extent for funeral 

 wreaths, that it would be interesting to learn what effect it has had on 

 the wild supply. Only the leaves are gathered. 



Gentian Family. — The sabbatias and fringed gentians occasionally 

 are found for sale in our cities ; they are always popular, and are not 

 common; they are generally uprooted when picked, and not readily trans- 

 planted or raised from seed. Methods for protection or propagation are 

 desirable. 



Silk-iveed Family. — The showy orange colored flowers of the but- 

 terfly weed are sure to be picked, but it has large roots, and spreads 

 readily by Avinged seeds, so that it is widening its range. It deserves 

 to be cultivated. 



Mint Family. — Many species in this family are cultivated for the 

 aromatic oils they contain, and have escaped from cultivation. The bee 

 balm is worth.y of cultivation. 



Potato Family. — Few members of this family are showy; the night- 

 shade has bright red berries which are poisonous. 



