118 THE CABBAGE FAMILY. 



13. Mat-flower — (Cardamine pratensis.) 

 In moist meadows, everywhere, especially where subject to inun- 

 dation by rivers, loving alluvial richness of soil, and flowering in April 

 and May, just after the sweet violets, and when the note of the cuckoo 

 begins to " sound sweetly through the air." 



Curtis, i. 185 ; E. B. xi. 770 ; Baxter, ii. Ul. 

 Occasionally found double, and in this state commonly cultivated in gardens. 



The Cardamines are distinguished from all other plants of the family by the 

 way in which the seed-pods open. As soon as ripe, the side pieces detach them- 

 selves at the lower extremity, roll up quick as lightning into a coil resembling a 

 watch-spring, and shoot out the seeds in all directions. In the Cardamine 

 hirsuta it is particularly remarkable. When invading a sylvan settlement of 

 these little irritables in early summer, especially if the day be fine and warm, 

 the vigour with which they discharge their tiny artillery is cfuite facetious. (See 

 Fig. 98, p. 112.) 



14. Thale-cress — {Arabis Thalidna.) 

 Dry hedgebanks and cultivated fields, common. Fl. April. Annual. 



Curtis, i. 122 ; E. B. xiii. 901. 



15. Common Yellow-Rocket — {Barharea vulgaris.) 

 Frequent in moist meadows, and on the banks of rivers and streams . 

 Fl. May — August. 



E. B. vii. 443 (as Erysimum Barharea) ; Baxter, vi. A50. 

 A double-flowered variety is common in cottage gardens. 



16. Earli Yellow-Rocket — Barharea prcecox.) 

 Common in cultivated fields. Chorlton, Withington, Prestwich, 

 Reddish. Fl. spring. Biennial. 



E. B. xvi. 1129 (as Erysimum prcecox). 

 The pods are thrice as long as in the common yellow-rocket, smooth, and exactly 

 square. 



17. Water-cress — {Nasturtium officinale.) 

 Brooks and pondsides, common ; the best and finest about Lymm. 

 Fl. June, July. 



Curtis, ii. 408 ; E. B. xii. 855 (both as Sisymbrium Nasturtium). 



It is prudent for pedestrians and excursionists who pui-pose enjoying water- 

 cresses on the spot where gathered, to take a little salt in their pockets. Na 

 plant can well be mistaken for water cresses except a deleterious one of the 



