182 motm^ 



leaves of the closed gentian are much larger and 

 coarser than the delicate opposite leaves of the fringed 

 variety ; the flowers often develop in the axils of 

 the leaves, seeming very cosy and well sheltered by 

 the large clasping leaf bases ; flowers also develop in 

 a close cluster at the summit of the stem, and there 

 a number of leaves crowd about them. Both the 

 closed and fringed gentians become of a much lighter 

 color when growing in deep shade. 



All along our eastern sea-coast the five-flowered 

 gentian graces the autumnal days. This has smaller 

 and paler flowers, and these appear to be always 

 on the defensive, as every lobe of the corolla is armed 

 Avith a sharp bristle. 



Two very delicate flowers appear in October, having 

 sent out individuals to bloom in August and Sep- 

 tember. The grass of Parnassus, tall and slender, 

 wdth little round clasping leaves ; this is no grass at 

 all, but so named from the lightness and grace of its 

 stem. The small white or cream-colored flowers, 

 with deep blue veins, look like memories of spring- 

 time. 



Also, here is a little member of the great orchid 

 family, a dainty flower which looks like a work of sil- 

 ver filigree — the ladies-tresses. Some botanists claim 

 that this is an inhabitant of low, swampj^ lands ; 

 others assign the hillsides as its chosen home. The 



