WHITE AND GREENISH WILD FLOWERS 



slightly hairy. The long-stemmed leaf is three-parted 

 and the flower has five petal-like parts. 



VIRGIN'S BOWER. TRAVELLER'S JOY. 

 OLD MAN'S BEARD 



Clematis virginiana. Crowfoot family. 



If, perchance, we should be called upon to suggest a 

 new name for this beautiful climbing vine, it is doubt- 

 ful if one more appropriate or descriptive than the Wild 

 Festoon, or perhaps the Wood Garland, could be 

 applied. Trailing gracefully over old rail fences and 

 stone walls, or clinging affectionately to twig or branch 

 or wayside shrubbery, the Traveller's Joy bids a wel- 

 come return to the prodigal, and God-speed to the 

 journeyman. The word travel really means to toil or 

 labour, and it is quite possible that the name as it is 

 applied to the Virgin's Bower may have been Tra- 

 vailer's Joy from the plant's habit of constant endeav- 

 our to work its way, or travail from point to point as it 

 progressed. Accordingly it might have been a cheerful 

 inspiration to labourers, or travellers, who also may 

 have rejoiced in its shade. Virgin's Bower is a name 

 commonly applied to this vine, because of its habit of 

 forming delightful shaded arches and fairy-like castles, 

 wherein maidens would fain dwell. During the fall, 

 when the seed clusters appear with long, curling, feath- 

 ery, grayish plumes, their fancied resemblance to an 

 Old Man's Beard is sufficient reason for the popular 

 application of this name. The Clematis is a very old 

 favourite with country people, and many a stiff, chro- 



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