RAMBLE AMONG WILD FLOWERS. 



Nymphm odorata, (White Water Lily.) Fit dwellings for the undines or water nymphs; 

 we see their lai-ge white corols expanded, pure and spotless, on the surface of the deeper 

 water, while their broad glossy leaves extend around them. Their sweet perfume equals 

 their beauty. Having gathered these, shall we not say that we have been richly paid for 

 our visit to this otherwise unattractive spot. 



Geranium viaculatum, (Crowfoot Geranium, Cranesbill.) We must make another visit 

 to the low meadow and sheltered rivulet, for here now the cranesbill expands its delicate 

 purple petals. This is not inferior to some of the cultivated species, and as it grows in 

 the greatest profusion, the effect it produces is very pleasing. 



Lysimachia strida, (Loose Strife.) There are many species of this genus, of which 

 this is the finest. They grow on the borders of streams, and produce an abundance of 

 small yellow, star-like flowers. 



Iris versicolor and prismatica, (Blue Flag, Boston Iris.) In the same locality we may 

 find these two species of iris, resembling those cultivated; but the latter one, especially, 

 is more slender and delicate. 



Chimaphila maculata, (Spotted Wintergreen.) 



Chimaphila umbdlata, (Prince's Pine.) The burning sun inclines us to visit the deep 

 shades of the forest, and there we shall still find new charms. These two species are ev- 

 ergreens, and produce clusters of small reddish white, fragrant waxen flowers. 



Pyrola rotandifolia and elliptica, (Pear Leaf Wintergreen.) The habits of these plants 

 are similar to the preceding, as also their flowers, except they grow on slender spikes. 



Mitchella repens, (Partridge Berry.) Where there is some partial opening in the forest, 

 we may find this small evergreen vine, with its dark pink flowers, in pairs, bearing at the 

 same time the red waxen berries of the previous year. Its thick carpet of green is attrac- 

 tive, but its most pleasing feature is its delicate fragrance. 



Monotropa uniflora, (Indian Pipe, Wax Plant.) Enter again the deep forest, and we 

 are startled at something which at first sight presents more the appearance of a work of 

 art, than a production of nature. The wax plant, with no green leaves, but the whole 

 stem, as well as flower, of a frosty whiteness, makes us doubt whether it is natural or ar- 

 tificial. An examination of its delicate and perfect corol settles this point. Later in the 

 season the flower turns brown, and from a nodding position becomes upright. It is said 

 to be parasitic on the roots of trees, and is one of nature's greatest curiosities. 



Linnea borcalis, (Twin Flower.) This is the only species in our country of this genus, 

 named in honor of the immortal Linneus. It is a slender, prostrate vine, found in dry 

 woods, and usually excludes everything else from the space it occupies. Its stalks, each 

 bearing a pair of small pink, sweet scented flowers, rise about four inches. I have seen it 

 but in two localities, and its beauty, and the associations connected with its name, have 

 induced me to make a pilgrimage of manj^ miles to visit it. 



Cassia chammcrista and niditans, (Wild Sensitive Plant.) Leaving the forest, let us 

 now search that arid sandy plain, for since our visit in spring, its vegetation has entirely 

 changed. We .shall now find these two species of Cassia, which are very similar, except 

 the flowers of the first are much the largest. They are bright yellow, with dark centres, 

 produced abundantly on their slender branching stems, which grow about one foot high. 

 As the delicate feathery fuliage of these little annuals, like the true sensitive plant, folds 

 up at the approach of evening, or of a storm, or when they may be rudely handled or 

 plucked, but more slowly, they are always attractive, even before the blossoms aj^pear; 

 for many years I have cultivated them with perfect ease and success 



Lupinus perennis, (Wild Lupine.) So abundant is this plant in the same localty 



