RAMBLE AaiONG WILD FLOWERS. 



be esteemed a weed, yet its numerous spikes of blue flowers render it attractive, and well 

 worthy of notice. 



^sclcpias quadrifolia and tubsrosa, (Swallow-Worts.) In that broken wood which 

 borders this sandy plain, thrive these species of Asclepias. The first possesses delicacy 

 of form, and is sweet-scented, but the latter, (the butterfly-weed,) is very showy, with 

 its large clusters of orange colored flowers. 



jRosa rubiginosa, (Sweet Briar, Elegantine.) Other species of single wild roses are com- 

 mon, but the sweet briar is the most worthy. The charming fragrance which it exhales 

 at " early morn or dewy eve," the soft and airy expression of its foliage, the unassuming 

 beauty of its flowers, have always rendered it a favorite; and whether we find it adorning 

 some humble cottage, or luxuriating in its native haunts, it ever appears appropriate and 

 beautiful. 



Cactus opuntia, (Prickly Pear.) Dry basaltic or trap rocks, are the natural habitat 

 of this plant. I have seen it only at West Rock, New-Haven, Ct. The flower will not 

 compare in beauty with the exotic species, yet the unique appearance of the plant well 

 adapts it to deck some rocky peak. 



Campanula rotU7idifolia, (Hair Bell.) In similar localities, but more generally distri- 

 buted throughout the state, we may find the hair bell. The round radical leaves of this 

 species give rise to its botanical, and the slender hair-like leaves of the stem, to its com- 

 mon name. Nothing can be more graceful than the delicate nodding blue bells of this 

 plant, supported on their slender stalks, and as they wave over some sunny bank, or shel- 

 tered crevice, we can only admire and praise them. Another species, the AmphxicauUs , 

 (Clasping Bell-flower,) exhibits the same beautiful blue, but its flowers are half conceal- 

 ed among the clasping leaves of its single upright stem. 



Liliam philadelphicum, canadsnse and suparbum, (Field and Wood Lilies.) Let us 

 visit these low meadows once more, before the scythe strips them of their mantle, for 

 there and in the adjoining hedge row, among the abundant productions of summer, we 

 shall find much that is beautiful. These three species of lily are each superior to some 

 of the cultivated ones. The first has one or two large, red spotted, upright flowers; the 

 second, one or more nodding yellow, or orange ones, with dark spots; but the third is 

 a noble pyramid of 10 — 20 bright orange flowers, with purple spots. 



JIabanaria Jimbriata, (Fringed Orchis.) A little later than the lilies, appears in the 

 same situation, this most beautiful species of the Orchis family. Its dense spike of curi- 

 ously formed purple flowers, ever renders it interesting. 



L?ptandra virginica. In the borders of that hedge, now may be seen shooting up, the 

 tall spikes of the Leptandra, covered with its pretty white flowers. 



Hudbi'ckia vacciniata. Accompanying it, or among the wild vegetation on the banks of 

 some stream, is found the Rudbeckia, its tall branching stalks, terminated by its large 

 yellow petals, making a very showy appearance. 



Cusenta americana, (Dodder.) This is a slender, yellow, parasitic vine, twining about 

 other plants, in damp, shady places. It has small white flowers, and being destitute of 

 green herbage, its curious aspect arrests our attention. 



Jmpaticvs pallida and fulva, (Touch-me-not, Jewel Weed.) These species are more 

 delicate than the garden balsams, and their flowers are less abundant. These annuals 

 grow so plentifully in some rich, damp situations, Avhere the soil may have been disturb- 

 ed, as to be regarded as weeds. 



matis virginica, (Virgin's Bower, Traveler's Joy.) This is a common cl 

 beautiful when covered with its clusters of white blossoms, but very showy 



