SANDWORTS. 57 



The Bog Stitchwort (S. uliginosa), has the smallest flower of 

 all; its sepals are pointed, and twice the length of its tiny 

 petals ; the flower-branches grow from the juncture or axils of 

 the leaves, and the foliage is of a glaucous hue. It flourishes 

 in wet places, and we have plenty of specimens both from Kent 

 and Yorkshire. 



We have none of us found the Marsh or Alpine Stitchworts. 



The second family in the Chickweed tribe is that of the 

 Sandworts. The handsomest species of these is the Sea Sand- 

 wort (Arenaria marltima), which Fanny found on the shore at 

 Looe. Its lilac flowers are bright, and have a yellow blotch in 

 the centre. 



" Among the loose and arid sands 

 The humble Arenaria creeps ; 

 Slowly the purple star expands 

 But soon, within the calyx sleeps." 



The little Purple Sandwort (A. nibra), is an inhabitant of 

 sandy lanes. It is a miniature of the Sea Sandwort. I found 

 it in Cheshire some years ago, and Edward has specimens from 

 the sandy lanes of Kent. Both these species have awl-shaped 

 leaves ; but those of the Sea Sandwort are blunt, and those of 

 the Purple Sandwort end in a bristle point. 



On the shore near Penzance Fanny found abundance of the 

 common Sea Sandwort (A. peploides), with its small white 

 flowers, fleshy leaves arranged in two rows, heavy stems, and 

 large seed-vessels. 



The Plantain-leaved Sandwort (A. trinervis), grows plenti- 

 fully in Swaledale, upon the margin of mountain streamlets ; 

 its leaves are very large with three marked ribs, and its flowers 

 very small. 



The Fine-leaved Sandwort (A. tenuifolia), I got off" the wall 

 of Easby Church, it grew also on the ruins of the fine old 

 Abbey ; the plant is slender and bushy, and soon withers 

 away. 



The Thyme-leaved Sandwort (A. serpyllifolia), I first recog- 

 nised whilst looking from the window of a railway carriage as 



