ROSACE®. 137 
Stems numerous, nearly simple, slender, procumbent, spreading 
2 to 8 inches long. Leaves shortly-stalked, + to } inch long, 
with the lamina gradually narrowed into the petiole, which thus 
becomes winged. Stipules foliaceous, embracing the stem and 
adnate to the petiole, the free portion divided into segments like 
those of the leaves, those of the lower leaves frequently without 
the palmate portion. Flowers about the size of grains of sago, 
inclosed in the tube formed by the union of the stipules, sessile. 
Calyx-tube campanulate, the inner row of segments 4, rarely 5, in 
number, the outer ones rudimentary. Fruiting-calyx swollen, 
ovoid. Plant greyish-green, with long seattered hairs. Lower 
leaves soon decaying. 
Parsley Piert, Field Lady’ s-Mantle. 
French, Alchémille des Champs, Perce-Pied. German, Leld Sinau. 
The common name of all the species of this genus is suggested by a fancied resem- 
blance to such an article of clothing in the shape and vandyked edge of the leaf. It is 
also called in some parts of the country Breakstone. The leaves are somewhat astrin- 
gent, and when dried and powdered have been given in agues. It is mentioned by 
Gerarde under the name of Wild Tansie, and is highly recommended for its “many 
good vertues.” In addition to its medical properties, he says: ‘The distilled water 
takes away freckles, spots, pimples in the face, and sunburning ; but the herb laid to 
infuse or steep in white wine is far better ; but the best of all is to steepe it in strong 
white wine vinegar, the face being often bathed or washed therewith.” 
Section II.—EU-ALCHEMILLA. Coss. & Germ. 
Perennials, with the flowers stalked, in terminal corymbose 
cymes, which are often arranged in panicles. Calyx with the outer 
row of teeth conspicuous. Fertile stamens generally 4. 
SPECIES IL—-ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS. Linn. 
Prats CCCCXXITI. 
Rootstock thick, somewhat woody, producing numerous ascend- 
ing or decumbent stems slightly branched above. Radical leaves 
on long stalks, reniform-orbicular, plicate, green beneath, 7- to 
9-lobed ; lobes extending about one-third way down, semicircular 
or ovate, serrated throughout their whole length ; stem-leaves 
shortly-stalked, usually 5- or 7-lobed. Lower stipules tubular, with 
a very short denticulate free portion ; upper stipules resembling a 
pair of connate leaves, narrowly lobed and cut. Flowers stalked, in 
small irregular cymes with shortly racemose branches ; cymes com- 
bined so as to form a lax panicle. 
VOL. III. T 
