92 IRambles witb IRature Students 



The limits of space will not admit of a special 

 notice here of other trees ; but knowledge of the 

 fact that this is the flowering season will lead to 



Female. 



Male. 



BEECH CATKINS. 



some enjoyable study in hedgerows and woodlands. 

 Let us not grudge some time and trouble spent 

 in becoming acquainted with the inconspicuous but 

 always interesting blossoms of our common trees. 



IVY-LEAVED TOAD-FLAX (Linaria cymbalaria) 



At this season the charming little ivy-leaved 

 toad-flax may be found in the crevices of old walls, 

 where its thread-like roots feed upon the decaying 

 mortar. Penetrating deeply into the fissures of the 

 brickwork, they both keep the plant firmly in its 

 place and render it independent of cold, heat, and 

 dryness. The cheery little plant holds its own and 

 looks green and flourishing when prolonged drought 

 is making other vegetation appear faded. 



