390 SPRING FLOWERS, AND 



Pistils, several in a little head, tipped in a flat stigma. 

 This is a variable plant ; scarce two individuals are found 

 alike ; in its wild state it is inclined to sport, and is some- 

 times found double. It is like the last perennial, and very 

 ornamental, though lacking in graceful beauty. 



Spangling the pastures and rocky hill, in pleasing con- 

 trast with the saxifrage and violets, we find the pretty yel- 

 low blossoms of the early Potentilla (P. sarmentosa). It is 

 a delicate species, blooming abundantly in April and May. 

 In early spring the flower stems are very short, but, as they 

 continue blooming, lengthen out often a foot or more, run- 

 ning along the ground, and rooting at the joints. The 

 leaves are quinate, and resemble slightly those of the straw- 

 berry, to which the family is nearly related. 



There are several other species of Potentilla, which 

 bloom during the latter part of spring, or in the summer, 

 some of which are quite ornamental. We have in cultiva- 

 tion Potentilla, floribunda and arguta, both of which are 

 pretty additions to our bed of herbaceous plants. Some of 

 the cultivated varieties are very fine, the flowers being all 

 shades of orange, white, rose, pink, red, scarlet, and crim- 

 son. Two of the hardiest and most desirable are P. for' 

 mosa and atrosanguinea. 



