COMPOSITE. 125 



these insects ; the name in English and in French, is founded on 

 the same tradition. It contains many species, spread over the 

 world. 



C. camphorata. Muhl. Marsh Fleabane. Stem 20 inches 

 high, with pubescent leaves, thick and erect, branching and bear- 

 ing corymbs of purple flowers ; grows in the western part of the 

 State, as well as on salt marshes. The bruised leaves have an 

 aromatic, not pleasant odor. 



Gnaphalium. L. 17. 2. Cudweed. 



More than 100 species ; 10 found in this country, and 7 in this 

 Commonwealth ; not of much consequence ; the name was an- 

 ciently applied to a plant not certainly determined. 



G. margaritaceum. L. Life Everlasting. A common downy 

 or woolly plant, over fallow fields, about 2 feet high, bearing many 

 very white or pearly flowers, remaining through winter to spring. 

 It has a slight odor, which is rather agreeable. 



The heads and some of the leaves are collected by the Shakers 

 in Hancock to manufacture into mattresses, which are said to be 

 pleasant and healthful. 



G. polycephalum. L. Wild Lavender. Sweet Life Ever- 

 lasting. About the height of the other, and in similar situations, 

 but is a greener plant, with many terminal flowers ; whole plant 

 of a pleasant odor. 



G. decurrens. Ives. Strong-scented Everlasting. Much 

 resembles the last, but its leaves are sessile, and running down 

 the stem, downy on the under side ; odor too strong to be pleas- 

 ant : woods and fields. 



G. plantagineum. L. Mouse-Ear Everlasting. Rises early 

 in the spring from a few inches to a foot in height, and flowers for 

 a long time ; an insignificant plant, in cold grounds, abundant. 



Three other species, G. uliginosmn, L., G. Germanicum, Sm., 

 and G. purpureum, A., are less common, and of no importance. 



