RAAIBLE AMONG WILD FLOWERS. 



This plant produces a single spike of small white flowers, nearly one foot in height. It 

 exhibits the same tenderness which belongs to most of the flowers of this period. It ac- 

 companies the following species, which it much resembles, in the borders of moist woods. 



Tiardla cordifoUa, (Mitre Wort.) Two opposite leaves upon the flower stalk is the most 

 prominent distinction between this and the preceding. 



As we leave tlie vale already loaded, but not burdened, with our collection, we will di- 

 rect our course through the open woods, towards yonder rocky and half exposed ledges. 

 We may find on our way the little starry white blossoms of the 



Trientalis americana, (Chick Wintergreen,) surrounded by long, narrow pointed 

 leaves, on a slender stalk, about six inches in height. This is one of those pure and spot- 

 less things which remind us, that notwithstanding human imperfections, there is a being 

 whose works are perfect. 



jjtquilcgia canadensis, (Columbine.) Having reached the ledge, we find this plant, far 

 surpassing in tlie delicacy of its foliage and flowers, the cultivated varieties. The sweet- 

 ness of its pendant red and yellow blossoms, graceful form and luxuriance, always render 

 it a favorite. 



Jlronia botryapimn, (Shad-bush — June Berry.) Growing from the clefts of the same 

 rock, is this shrub or small tree; and even before any foliage appears, it is covered with 

 its snow-white blossoms. 



Xylosteum ciliatum, (Fly Honej^suckle.) Sheltered in this thicket we may find this 

 plant; a shrub about five feet high, covered with small yellowish-red flowers, growing in 

 pairs, and very sweet. The bees soon find their way to these delicacies; and what is 

 more cheering on a bright day in spring,, than a bush in full leaf and flower, covered with 

 the busy bees, while all around is still, dry and barren. 



Trillium ercctum, (Wake Robin.) As we descend from the rocky knoll, among the 

 thick shrubs and in a damp soil, is found the wake robin. Its stalk is about one foot in 

 in height, where it sends out three rhomboidal leaves, and is terminated above by one 

 flower with three petals; these are either purple or white, with purple centres. Were it 

 not for its unpleasant odor, this would be one of the favorite flowers of the woods. 



Viola, (Wild Violets.) During our rambles we have not failed to gather blue, white 

 and yellow violets; although they are not distinguished for beauty, yet as heralds of sum- 

 mer they are ever welcome. Some of them are sweet scented, (though usually they have 

 no fragrance,) and no bunch of spring flowers is perfect w^ithout them. Two years since, 

 I found in a meadoAV a bunch of violets, which from their rare size and beauty, I removed 

 to the garden. They are blue, striped with white, and upon a little turf of six inches in 

 diameter, there were about fifty flowers. 



Polygala pancifolia, (Flowering Wintergreen.) In the border of these pine woods we 

 find this delicate red flower. The plant is about the size of the common wintergreen, j^ct 

 it produces one or two flowers of rare beauty; often hundreds of them may be found 

 where the fallen pine leaves have checked every other species of vegetation. 



Houstonia cerulca, (Venus Pride, Innocence, Bluett, Forget-me-not.) As we emerge 

 into the open field, we still find our path strewed with flowers. This humble and modest 

 little plant, is too well known to need any description ; yet abundant as it is, who can 

 tread roughly on the turf which it makes like a soft enameled carpet. 



jizaha, (Wild Honeysuckle, May Apple.) Now let us plunge into the deep woods, and 

 where the hand of man has never violated its retreat, we shall find this sweet flower. 

 What lover of nature ever returned from a ramble in our forests in smiling May, without 

 bending his steps to some sequestered spot where he may gather a bunch of these blossoms. 



