58 
tain side. These were borne upon a plant called some- 
times fireweed and again willow herb (Fig. 50). The 
aig first name was given to it because it grows freely 
in places that have been laid waste by 
2 «wre. The latter: one it owes to ms 
leaves, which look somewhat like 
those of the willow. 
By the end of August most 
of these beautiful blossoms had 
disappeared, leaving in their 
place the fruit. This fruit of 
the fireweed or willow herb is 
a long pod such as you see in 
the picture (Fig. 51). This pod 
is packed full of seeds, to each one of 
which is fastened a silky sail. Finally all 
ls these pods split open, letting out their little 
lex air ships (Fig. 52), and giving a beautiful, 
feathery look 
to the great 
patches: im 
which they are found. 
Another plant which " 
=n latrmches 
+3 Z——— 
ZS AS \ 
[ABS SS MSNA 
fre Sx e- = —SS\ 
s ~wy 
air ships 1s 
the clema- 
tis. In Au- 
PATS Paes 
pretty white 
Fic. 52 
FIG. 54 
blossoms 
clamber over the stone wall, and twist about the bushes 
