Early August 



which the bright grass of the salt-mead- 

 ows fails to account. If we enter it by 

 way of the sand-hills on the beach, we 

 almost hesitate to step upon the dainty 

 carpet which lies before us. Hundreds 

 of sea-pinks, or Sabbatia, gleam like rosy 

 stars above the grasses. Yet the prodigal 

 fashion in which this plant lavishes its 

 rich color upon the meadows does not 

 constitute its sole or even its chief claim 

 upon our enthusiasm, for it is as perfect 

 in detail as it is beautiful in the mass. 

 The five-parted corolla is of the purest 

 pink, with clear markings of red, and yel- 

 low at its centre. As in the willow-herb 

 or fire-weed, the stamens and pistils ma- 

 ture at different times and self-fertiliza- 

 tion is avoided. 



One peculiarly large and beautiful spe- 

 cies is Sabbatia chloroides. This is found 

 bordering brackish ponds along the coast. 

 I have never been so fortunate as to see 

 it growing, but specimens have been sen^ 



96 



