408 Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 



the icehouses, between the raih'oad bridge and depot, and in front 

 of the Palmer house. On October 24 and 25, 1904, many small 

 plants about two inches high were found in flower both in culti- 

 vated ground near Hawk's marsh and east of the lake. It was im- 

 possible to say from their appearance whether they were young or 

 dwarfed plants. The plant has a long flowering season, from July 

 until killed by frost, and bears ripe fruit, green fruit and blossoms 

 at the same time ; in fact, it really acts much like a miniature 

 tomato. It is probable the fruit that ripens early which gives rise 

 to plants bearing fruit later on in the same season. Some of the 

 plants, growing on almost bare rock, bore flowers and fruit when 

 they had only three or four leaves. 



This is often called "deadly nightshade", and is supposed to be 

 virulently poisonous by many people, and a gentleman residing in 

 Culver credited it with poisoning his lambs. On the contrary the 

 fruit is said by others to be entirely harmless, and to be used in 

 some sections of the country for making pies. 



668. HORSE-NETTLE 



SOLANUM CAROLINENSE L. 



Rather rare; a few plants along the railroad. Occasionally 

 found in fields, where it is a great nuisance. This is rather far 

 north in the state for it. Rather common from the central part of 

 the state southward. 



669. BITTERSWEET; BITTER NIGHTSHADE " 



SOLANUM DULCAMARA L. 



Found October 24, 1900, in the tamarack northwest of the lake. 

 Found also at Fletcher's Lake. Introduced into the country as an 

 ornamental plant, its abundance of scarlet berries being showy. 

 Seed, distributed by birds, grow abundantly in moist places in 

 some parts of the state. It is common in peaty bogs about Ply- 

 mouth, and bears two distinct colors of flowers, some plants bear- 

 ing pale, almost white flowers, and others deep blue. 



670. THORN-APPLE; JIMSON-WEED 



DATURA STRAMONIUM L. 



Along shore at Arlington and in the Fish Commission station 

 yard. Not common. Once a common weed of barnyards, this 

 plant seems to have become much less so of late years. 



