466 SCROPHULAKIACE,E. 



8. EHINANTHUS (Yellow-rattle). 



1. R. Crista-galli (Cock's-comb, Yellow-rattle). 

 Leaves narrow-oblong, tapering to a point, serrated ; 

 flowers in loose spikes ; bracts egg-shaped, deeply serrated. 



In cultivated land, common. An erect, somewhat 



rigid plant, 1218 inches high, composed of a single 

 stem, and terminating in a loose spike of yellow flowers, 

 which are rendered conspicuous by their inflated calyces. 

 " When the fruit is ripe, the seeds rattle in the husky 

 capsule, and indicate to the Swedish peasantry the season 

 for gathering in their hay. In England, Mr. Curtis well 

 observes, hay-making begins when the plant is in full 

 flower." (Sir W. J. Hooker.) EL June. Annual. 



* Another species or variety, R. major (Large bushy 

 Yellow-rattle), occurring in the north of England, bears 

 the flowers in crowded spikes, and at the base of each is 

 a yellowish bract ending in a fine point. 



9. BARTSIA. 



L B. viscosa (Yellow viscid Bartsia). Leaves narrow, 

 tapering, deeply serrated, lower opposite, upper alternate ; 

 flowers axillary. Marshes and wet pastures, not com- 

 mon. Somewhat resembling Rhinanthus Crista-galli 

 (Yellow-rattle), but at once distinguished by its solitary, 

 not spiked, yellow flowers, and by being covered with 

 clammy down. Fl. August, September. Annual. 



2. B. Odontites (Eed Bartsia). Leaves narrow, taper- 

 ing, serrated ; flowers in one-sided, spike-like clusters. 

 Corn-fields, abundant. A much-branched herbaceous 

 plant, 6 12 inches high, with narrow, dingy, purplish- 

 green leaves, and numerous one-sided spikes of small 

 pink flowers. While flowering, the spikes usually droop 

 towards the ends. El. July September. Annual. 



* B. alpina (Alpine Bartsia) is a rare species, found 

 in Scotland and the north of England, and approaching 



