l6o ASTER TATENS. SrREADIMG ASTER. 



plant derives its specific name. It is generally more or less few- 

 flowered in comparison with other Asters ; but when, in this 

 much-branched condition, a dozen or more flowers may often 

 be found expanded at once, it gives a conoid bunch of flow- 

 ers very beautiful indeed. It usually grows in large quanti- 

 ties together ; and though the slender stem and few flowers of 

 the single branch does not make much show by itself, together 

 the plants make a very effective feature in our beautiful autumn 

 scenery. In the location from whence our specimen was taken 

 for illustration — the Wissahickon Valley, near Philadelphia — it 

 seems to delight in the partial shade of trees or low shrubs in 

 rather cool situations. Authors differ as to its habits in this 

 respect. Lesquereux says it is found in shady woods and sandy 

 prairies in Arkansas; Dr. Gray says "dry ground;" and Willis 

 reports it as common in dry soil in New Jersey. Prof. Wood's 

 experience is that it is found in moist ground, and with this Dr. 

 Darlington agrees, he giving " moist woodlands " as its habitat 

 in Chester county, Pennsylvania. This last is perhaps its most 

 desirable location, as it has not proved a very great success 

 when removed to open sunny borders for cultivation. 



In polite literature the Aster has an honored place, and is an 

 especial favorite with American poets. A fair-sized volume 

 might be formed of the many pretty things they have said of 

 them. Many of these are well known. Earl Marble has some 

 pretty lines, not so often quoted, from which we may take the 

 following : 



" O, aster-blooms ! ye cluster so 



In quaint fence-corners, and in rifts 

 Of hedges, that a dream of snow 



Ye seem ; soft, dainty drifts 

 Of shining snow, from distance viewed ; 



Of snow that soon shall gather there, 

 When winds shall grow more stern and rude, 



And skies in azure tints less fair." 



Explanations of the Plate. — i. Root leaves from a stock to flower next year. 2. Termi- 

 nal flowers from an average-sized branch. 3. Section from central portion of a branch. 

 4. Flower with silky akene, and its pappus. 



