NATURAL FEATURES 15 



IN SHADE 



i Camptosorus rhizophyllus: walking-leaf fern; fronds four to 

 eight inches long, evergreen, growing in tufts and taking 

 root at the tips when they touch the ground ; requires black 

 soil made of leaf mold, and a place at the margin of rocks 

 which are always shaded; buy clumps. 



2 Saxafraga Virginiensis: rockfoil; four to ten inches high; 

 dry soil in a cool, shady place, where the intense heat and 

 drought of summer cannot reach; foliage low and rosette- 

 like; cymes of many small white flowers; buy plants; 

 blossoms in April. 



3 Mitella diphylla: bishop's cap or mitrewort; six to eight 

 inches high; soil of rich woods; delicate white flowers in 

 slender racemes ; buy plants ; blossoms in May. 



*4 Gentiana acaulis: stemless gentian; four inches high; likes 

 a deep soil, quantities of moisture with thorough drainage 

 and a cool location ; crushed granite, rich loam, and meadow 

 soil in equal parts make up a compost for it ; clear dark blue 

 flowers tfie celebrated gentian of the Alps; plants are 

 obtainable but they are likely not to live as they seem to 

 resent transplanting; may be raised from seed indoors and 

 transplanted when very tiny; it requires patience as the 

 seeds sometimes are a year in germinating, but when once 

 established this is a very permanent thing, and a delight; 

 blossoms in May and June. 



*5 Galax aphylla: coltsfoot or beetle- weed; six to twelve 

 inches high; soil of humus and leaf mold, in a northern 

 aspect, cool, moist and shady; leaves shining and leathery, 

 heart-shaped, evergreen, coloring to beautiful bronzes and 

 reds in winter; wands of delicate white flowers, lifted on 



