MARCH. 59 
the year, those growing in sheltered situations appearing 
even in January. They are called “ Dead-Nettles” from 
their similarity to the true Nettle in appearance, but they 
have no stinging powers. Four species may be easily found 
amongst rubbish, by hedges, walls, and road-sides. Though 
they are so common that we pass them by without a thought, 
if examined with a magnifier they are found to be full of 
beauty, particularly the first two species. 
Lamium atpuM. White dead Nettle, or White Archangel. 
Leaves heart-shaped, pointed, deeply serrated, hairy. Flowers 
white, about twenty in a whorl, close to the leaves. Stem 
about a foot high, hairy. Flowers in the greatest perfection 
in May and June, but the plant may be found at all seasons ; 
I therefore place it here, as this month is of course not so 
prolific in flowers as those of summer. 
Lamium PURPUREUM. (Plate I. Fig. 7.) Red dead Nettle. 
Leaves heart-shaped, rather blunt, stalked, the upper ones 
much crowded and of a beautiful purple tinge, covered with 
silky hairs. Flowers purplish red (I have occasionally found — 
them quite white), the buds of a very deep colour and hairy. 
This plant is very beautiful under a magnifying-glass. 
Lamium IncisuM. Cut-leaved dead Nettle. This species 
much resembles the last; but the leaves are broadly heart- 
