86 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



there are also white and yellow. The flowers grow in spikes, 

 which, in some species, are two or three feet long. The family 

 of Aconites have a bad reputation. The ancients, who were 

 not acquainted with mineral poisons, regarded this plant as the 

 most violent of all. The virulence of A. napellus (common 

 Monkshood) should be known to all. The root is the most 

 powerful part of the plant. An instance is on record, of five 

 persons, at Antwerp, who ate of the root by mistake, and all 

 died. Instances have occurred, of death by eating the young 

 shoots in a salad instead of celery. This plant, when used with 

 skill and caution, is in some cases a valuable medicine. This 

 species flowers in July and August. 



A. variegatum is a beautiful variety, throwing up branching 

 spikes of flowers in July and August, three and four feet high ; 

 the flowers are light blue, edged with white. 



A. japonicum has dark blue flowers, on spikes four and five 

 feet high, during the month of July and August. 



A. rostratum is a beautiful species, with purple flowers, throe 

 or four feet high in July and August. 



ACT^IA. 



This is an indigenous perennial plant, suitable for the shrub- 

 bery, found in the woods. There are two species or varieties : 

 A. rubra, with shining red berries, and A. alba, with milk- 

 white berries, tipped with red. Both kinds have white flowers, 

 in spikes, in May. The berries, as well as the flowers, are 

 ornamental. They require a peaty soil, and flourish best in 

 the shade ; about two or three feet high. 



AGROSTEMMA. 



Rose Campion Mullen Pink. 



A common, showy border flower ; not a perfect perennial, but 

 easily kept by dividing the roots. It is also propagated from 



