THE HORSETAILS 113 



inches in height. The stem, which is of a very 

 pale colour, is of rather a succulent nature; 

 it is hollow in the centre and in a certain way 

 reminds one of bamboo, At intervals there are 

 certain sheaths which are divided into a number 



Barren stem of Equisetum arvense. 



of teeth with very sharp points. The cone-like 

 fructification is about an inch in length and 

 bears a number of peltate scales to which the 

 spore capsules are attached. The spores are 

 ready for dispersal in the month of May. Just 

 about this time the barren stems put in an 

 appearance. These rise to the height of two 

 8 



