150 ENGLISH BOTANY. 
Rootstock terminating in a tuft of leaves, from the axils of 
which stems are given off which lie on the ground and soon take 
root at each joint, where smaller tufts of leaves are produced. 
Leaflets increasing in size towards the apex of the leaf, so that 
the outline of the whole leaf is oblanceolate; terminal leaflet 4 
to 24 inches long, the teeth very deep and sharp, commonly green 
on the upper side, but sometimes white and silvery there as well 
as on the underside. Flowers really terminal, the runner being 
evidently continued from an axillary bud on the stem. Peduncles 
2 to 6 inches long. Outer sepals elliptical, often cut, inner ones 
roundish ovate-acuminate. Carpels large in comparison with those 
of the other species of this genus, but often abortive. Whole 
plant more or less silky hairy. . 
Silver-weed. 
French, Ansérine, Argentine. German, Gemeiner Gdnserich. 
The common name of this plant is caused by the silvery hairs with which the 
under-side of the leaves are clothed, giving the whole plant a bright shining appearance. 
In some of the Hebrides the inhabitants have often been supported by the roots for 
months together ; they frequently tear them up by the plough for use. They are 
simply prepared by roasting or boiling, and are said to taste like parsnips. In some 
places they answer in a measure the purposes of bread, and it is said that when once 
partaken of they become a favourite article of food. The leaves are somewhat astrin- 
gent, and when dried and powdered have been given inagues. Withering recommends 
a spoonful to be taken every three hours between the fits. 
Section II.—TERMINALES. Doll. 
Flowering-stems annual, terminating the divisions of the root- 
stock. 
SPECIES VIIIL—POTENTILLA RUPESTRIS. Linn. 
PuateE CCCCXXXIV. 
Stems erect, slightly branched in the upper part. Radical 
leaves on long stalks, pinnate, with 2 to 3 pairs of lateral leaflets 
and a larger terminal one; leaflets oval-obovate or roundish, irre- 
gularly crenate-serrate or incised, with the divisions crenate-. 
serrate; stem-leaves ternate, shortly stalked or sub-sessile. Stipules 
with the free portion very large, ovate or lanceolate, often incised. 
Flowers in a lax irregular terminal cyme. Outer calyx-segments 
about half the length of the inner and much narrower. — Petals 
white, orbicular, entire. Receptacle hairy. Carpels glabrous, 
smooth. : 
On limestone rocks, very rare. On Craig Breidden, Montgo- 
meryshire. 
England. Perennial. Early Summer. 
ee 
