FLOWERS OP THE FIELD. 



A S we emerge from the woodlands, and gaze over 

 hill and vale, and cross the fields where the 

 spring wheat hardly veils the rough soil, we shall find 

 many an early wild flower, half hiding its modest 

 head. The boldest among them is the Common Colts- 

 foot (Tussilago farfara). Its thistle-like but bright 

 yellow head dots the side of the railway cutting, and 

 delights in strong clayey soils. Its short thick stalk 

 and solitary appearance distinguish it from the dan- 

 delion, for its big leaves do not appear until the flower 

 has perished. The village housewife may be found 

 gathering these yellow blossoms, for they have a 

 wonderful reputation for curing colds and coughs 

 when candied with sugar; and, indeed, they are used 

 for making wine, and were a few years ago hawked by 

 country people for that purpose. Its name of colt's 

 foot, or foal's foot, is derived from the shape of its 

 leaves, which are of dull green. The under part of 

 the leaves is covered with a thick cotton-like down, 

 which was formerly in some request for tinder, but 



