RAMBLE AMONG WILD FLOWERS. 



the seeds are formed, which, from their long feathery appendages, have given to this plant 

 the peculiar name by ■which it is often known, of " devil's head in the bushes." 



Lobelia cardinalis and siphiliiica. Few flowers of the garden or green-house equal in 

 brilliancy the scarlet cardinal flower. This, and the latter species, which is blue, in Au- 

 gust adorn the banks of our streams with their tall spikes of flowers, and attract the at- 

 tention of the most careless observer. 



Glycine apios, (Ground Nut.) This plant, which from the edible character of its root, 

 has attracted considerable attention in France, is found in the same neighborhood. It is a 

 vine often ten feet in length, with handsome pinnate leaves, and thick clusters of brick- 

 red, papilionaceous flowers; their fragrance is peculiar, strongly resembling that of fine 

 green tea. (It produces a large number of small oblong tubers, the largest about the size 

 of a dove's egg, strung upon its roots four or five inches apart. As freezing does not in- 

 jure them, they may be dug in autumn or spring; and at the latter season, the only time 

 I have tried them, much resemble a mealy potato, to which they are superior in flavor. 

 From a vine which has stood in my garden for many years, and covers a small trellis, I dig 

 a few handfuls annually, as a curiosity, and the parent stock remains uninjured. Should it 

 improve by cultivation, as the potato has done, it would rival that important plant, and 

 perhaps may become a useful substitute for it.) 



Helonias dioicia, (False Unicorn Root.) This plant grows in the open fields, in cold, 

 lean soils. Its flowers are small and white, arranged on a single tall, noodding, white or 

 nearly transparent stem. 



Spiranthus tortilis and gracilia, (Lady's Tresses.) In the same soil, we shall find the 

 upright, slender stems of these species, surrounded in spiral rows by their white waxen 

 flowers. To beauty of appearance they add a delightful fragrance. 



Euchroma coccinea, (Painted Cups.) The corol of this plant is very insignificant, but 

 it is accompanied by a number of scarlet bracts, which give it a very gay appearance. It 

 is found in dry, poor soils. 



Epilobium spicatum, (Willow Herb.) A strong plant, often six feet high, with long 

 spikes of purple flowers. It is usually found in rich lands, recently stripped of their 

 growth of timber. 



(Enothera biennis, (Tree Primrose.) This is a biennial, so abundant as sometimes to 

 be considered a weed. It delights in cultivation, and continues for a long time to furnish 

 abundantly, its large, lemon-yellow flowers. Many plants, at a particular hour or sea- 

 son, open their corols, butnoneis more regular or easily observed than this. Soon after sun- 

 set its petals expand, not slowly, but with a sudden jerk; so that as they open one after 

 another, the whole plant appears to possess animal life, and where, but a few minutes be- 

 fore, the buds were scarcely seen among the leaves, now appear broad, expanded flowers. 



Gerardia flava and pedicularia, (False Foxglove.) These plants are distinguished for 

 handsome foliage, and large, lemon-yellow flowers, shaped like the foxglove of the gar- 

 dens. They grow about two feet high, and prefer dry, open woods. 



G. purpurea and tcnuijolia. These are much smaller than the preceding; their flow- 

 ers are purple, and they are found in cold, damp soils. 



Solidago, (Golden Rod.) It will not be worth while to enumerate the different species 

 of this genus, yet we will not pass it by in silence; for by the abundance of its rich yel- 

 low flowers, seen in every hedge row, it adds much to the beauties of summer and autumn. 



Gnaphalum polycephalum and margaritaceum, (Life Everlasting.) These are also very 

 common, but that does not detract from the honey-like fragrance of the first, or the 

 ty of the pure white and durable little roses of the latter 



