400 EDIBLE WILD PLANTS 



intensely strong odor objectionable to some people at first, but 

 not so disagreeable as elder. Leaves somewhat heart-shaped, 

 but 5 to 7-lobed, 1 in. to 2 in. across, lobes pointed, doubly 

 notched. Berries round, size of small field peas, red, slightly 

 bristly, juicy, contains a few large seeds ; in clusters of 8 to 20 

 on fruit stalks 2h in. to 4 in. long ; smell less strongly than bark 

 or leaves, sour with a peculiar taste related to smell, but in 

 spite of this is enjoyed by many people. 



In rocky open woods or barrens. In greatest abundance 

 where land is most rocky. Very abundant in southern and 

 western counties of Nova Scotia and southern Cape Breton. 



28. Ribes riihruin L. Wild Red Currant. 



Stems strag'o-lino; or reclinino-. Leaves somewhat heart- 

 shaped, 3 to 5-lobed, notched. Berries round, a little larger 

 than the stinking currant, smooth skinned, red, resembles the 

 garden currant in size, taste, and foliage, without the strong 

 smell of the former ; makes a delicious preserve. 



In open woods or waste land, in deep soil. Very scarce in 

 Nova Scotia, found by me only in the northern counties. 



'29. Ribes Jloridam. L'Ber. Wild Black Currant. 



Creeping stems, slightly spinous. Leaves much like those 

 of the red currant. Berries round, black, same size as Ribes 

 prostratum, bristly, with slightly musky smell and taste. 

 Barely tolerable as a food. 



In rocky open woods and moist barrens. Scarce in Nova 

 Scotia. 



30. Mitchella repens L. Partridge-berrj^ Snake-berry, some- 

 times locally " Wild Ivy-berry." 



Slender evergreen vines, 4 in. to 12 in. lono- scattered and 

 creeping. Leaves round, i^in. long, scarcely ^^ointed, arranged 

 closely and regularly along vine, dark green and shining above, 



