ON HEATH, DOWN AND MOOR 



259 



Milkwort (Polygala vulgaris) — the only British representative 

 of its order (Polygalacece), unless we regard some varieties of this 

 variable plant as distinct species, according to the opinions of some 

 authorities. It is a smooth or slightly hairy plant, with a woody 

 stem that gives off sevei-al spreading branches varying from two 

 to nine inches 

 in length. The 

 nature of tlie 

 leaves and the 

 arrangement of 

 the flowers arc 

 shown in oiu- 

 illustration. The 

 latter are very 

 variable in 

 coloiir, ranging 

 from a pure 

 v\ hite to hlac 

 and a deep, rich 

 blue ; and each 

 has five sepals, 

 of which the two 

 inner ones are 

 wing-shaped, 

 persistent, and 

 coloured Like the 

 coroUa ; and at 

 its base are three 

 bracts, the mid- 

 dle and largest 

 of which is as 

 long as the short 

 pediceh The 



petals, three to five in number, are united, smaller than the 

 wing-sepals, and the lowest is keel-shaped. The plant blooms from 

 June to August ; and the drooping flowers, though small, are often 

 so abundant as to distinctly modify the general colouring of 

 patches of heath and moor. 



Two small species of St. John's Wort (order H ypericacece) are 

 moderately abundant on downs and commons, especially in South 

 Britain. The flowers of this order are all yellow, and may be easily 



s 2 



The Broom. 



