44 LACHNANTHES TINCTORIA. WOOL-FLOWER. 



abortive, because the stamens are opposite the petals, showing 

 thereby that they belong to the second whorl or verticil of three 

 — the typical number in endogenous plants. If the first whorl 

 had not proved abortive, they would have alternated with the 

 petals, as the sepals do. 



It is said by Endlicher that the primordial leaves which form 

 the cells of the ovary, are also opposite the petals, and if so it 

 would indicate that there has been a further abortion of a whorl 

 above the perfect stamens. It is quite likely that in these cases 

 the aborted parts will sometimes show indications of reappear- 

 ance, and the watchfulness for these modifications will give great 

 zest to those who are interested in that delightful department of 

 Botany — now known as morphology. 



The "Wool-flower" is not a very common plant. Our draw- 

 ing was made from a specimen collected in Rhode Island by Mr. 

 Jackson Dawson, and which is perhaps its most northern limit. 

 Though it is a native of New Jersey, Dr. Willis, the author of a 

 catalogue of the plants of that State, reports it as being very 

 scarce. It becomes more common as we go southward to Florida, 

 inhabiting ditches and ponds, but being confined chiefly to dis- 

 tricts near the coasts. One of the most remarkable facts con- 

 nected with its distribution is its existence in Kansas, according 

 to Professor Snow's catalogue of Kansas plants. It does not 

 appear to have been found in Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, or any 

 of the neighboring States. 



It does not seem to have been ever cultivated in our country, 

 though Paxton tells us that it was introduced into England in 

 1 812, and regarded as "a pretty plant" for that purpose. Judg- 

 ing from its natural conditions it would grow better as a pot 

 plant, with the pot standing in a saucer of water, or treated as 

 one would the common Calla, in order to do well. 



Explanations of the Plate. — i. Portion of a root stock, bearing a flower stem, Fig. 2, of 

 the natural r.ize. Fig. 3. Flower somewhat enlarged, showing its woolly character, its 

 three stamens, and simple awl-like pistil. 



