230 AUTUMN WILD FLOWEBS. 



The Mint tribe (Mentha) is common by the river- 

 side: the Capitate Mint (MentJia aquatica) is especially 

 powerful amongst the Peppermints and Spearmint. 

 Occasionally, too, the Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), 

 with its strong smell familiar to the herb garden, may 

 be found. These have all a common appearance, and 

 there are nearly a dozen other varieties. 



There are several species of Polygonums in bloom 

 during the autumn months : one of the most common 

 is the Spotted Persicaria (Polygonum maculatum). It 

 is frequent in gardens and in damp places. Its long 

 leaves, in the centre of which is a black spot, distin- 

 guish it. This spot is popularly said to have been 

 caused by the plant receiving the drops of our 

 Saviour's blood as He toiled up the Via Dolorosa. Its 

 close flesh-coloured spikes of small flowers are more 

 or less common in all the varieties. The "Water- Pepper 

 or Biting Persicaria (Polygonum hydropipa) has nar- 

 row ] eaves and waved margins. Its name is borne out 

 by its pungent properties. The Amphibious Persi- 

 caria (P. ampMbiuni) is of the same straggling habit as 

 some of the other varieties. Its thick spike of rose- 

 tinted flowers are well known at the water-side, and, 

 indeed, better known than liked by many agriculturists. 



