MOUNTAIN FLOWERS 89 



either of the two preceding forms. It may always be dis- 

 tinguished from other Pyrolas, even in bud, by the fact that it 

 has a short style, which does not protrude beyond the petals 

 of the gobular blossoms. A slight fragrant scent emanates 

 from its waxen bells. 



ONE-FLOWERED WINTERGREEN 



Afoneses tmiflora. Heath Family 



Stems: bearing three whorls of leaves at the base, continued above into 

 a bracted scape. Leaves: orbicular, petioled, serrulate. Flowers: solitary, 

 drooping ; petals five, widely spreading, sessile ; style straight ; stigma 

 peltate, large, conspicuous, with five narrow lobes. 



Dr. Gray has called this fragrant flower a "single delight," 

 and certainly it is a joy to the traveller to find its solitary droop- 

 ing blossoms bent close down upon the soft green carpet of the 

 July woods. In the deep shade of the conifers beds of these 

 exquisite waxen Wintergreens grow in profusion, each flower 

 hanging its head and resembling a shining star. Turn its face 

 upwards, however, and you will find its white petals have ten 

 yellow-tipped stamens placed at their base, and that the style, 

 which is very large and long, projecting from a conspicuous 

 round green ovary, is crowned by a five-lobed stigma. The 

 leaves are set in three circles on the stem, close to the ground, 

 and are dark green, smooth-surfaced, and have serrated margins. 



The One-flowered Wintergreen is a dweller in the darkest 

 corners of the woods, where 



" That delicate forest flower, 

 With scented breath, and look so like a smile. 

 Seems, as it issues from the shapeless mould, 

 An emanation from the indwelling life." 



