vellow 



they droop beneath, forming a curve of singular grace which is 

 sustained in later summer by the dark blue berries. 



The larger species, P. gigantewn, grows to a height of from 

 two to seven feet, blossoming in the meadows and along the 

 streams in June. 



The common name was suggested by the rootstocks, which 

 are marked with large round scars left by the death and separa- 

 tion of the base of the stout stalks of the previous years. These 

 scars somewhat resemble the impression of a seal upon wax. 



The generic name is from two Greek words signifying 7nany 

 and knee, alluding to the numerous joints of the rootstock. 



GOLDEN CORYDALIS. 



Corydalis atirea. Fumitory Family. 



Smooth, six to fourteen inches high, branching. Leaves. — Finely dis- 

 sected. Flo7ve?-s. — Bright yellow, about one-half inch long. Calyx. — Of 

 two small sepals. Corolla. — Flattened, closed, with spur one-half or more 

 as long as body of corolla, outer petals keeled. Fruit. — A many-seeded 

 pod. 



The golden corydalis is found flowering in the rocky woods 

 from March till May. 



y 



^y EARLY CROWFOOT. 



Ranunculus septentrionalis. Crowfoot Family. 



Stems. — Sometimes upright ; again trailing along the ground and form- 

 ing runners. Leaves. — Three-divided ; the divisions often unequally cleft. 

 Fhnvers. — Bright yellow; somewhat resembling buttercups. Calyx. — Of 

 five sepals. Co)-olla. — Of five petals. Starnens. — Indefinite in number. 

 Pistils. — Numerous, in a head. 



Although it may be found in blossom until August, it is es- 

 pecially in spring that the wet woods and meadows are bright 

 with the flowers of the early crowfoot. Until we look closely at 

 the plant we are apt to confound it with its kinsmen the butter- 

 cups, but a look at its longish petals alone will show us our error. 



130 



