186 TALKS AFIELD. 



If shepherds tell us true, thy wand hath power, 

 With gracious influence, to avert the harm 

 Of ominous planets." 



The witch-hazel has been held long in re- 

 pute on account of its medical virtues, and 

 it is the source of a popular remedy of the 

 present day. The Indians are said to have 

 made preparations of its bark for the treat- 

 ment of tumors and inflammations. 



The wych-hazel of England is an elm, 

 whose wood was used in olden times in the 

 construction of wyches or chests. This an- 

 tique spelling is often erroneously applied to 

 our American shrub. 



A Thistle Head. 

 The studious observer of nature is con- 

 stantly impressed with the unlimited num- 

 bers of curious little contrivances and pecul- 

 iar habits by means of which the commonest 

 plants and animals are prepared to overcome 

 the obstacles which surround them, for be it 

 known that even plants have obstacles to 

 surmount, if they perpetuate their species. A 

 plant must hold its own against its stronger 

 and more aggressive neighbors or suffer the 

 fate of many of our native plants, which 

 have been driven out by Old World weeds ; 



