162 NATURE STUDY REVIEW [9:6— Sept., 1913 



sank inch boards all around the front edge. We transplanted 

 the plants from the first bed. Then we began to add little by- 

 little as we were fortunate enough to secure new species. 



On the fence we have a mammoth woodbine which not only- 

 serves to hide the fence but provides a much cooler background 

 than the bare boards would when heated by the sun. By trimming 

 and training it is kept from interfering in any way with the garden. 



Bordering the fence are the ferns, the lady fern, the maiden- 

 hair, the fragile bladder, the woodsia, and the sensitive ferns. 



The first flower to appear is the hepatica. It is most interest- 

 ing to watch them push their little furry buds up through the 

 ground and last years leaves almost before the frost is out. We 

 have them in many shades, pure white, cream, light and deep 

 pinks, lavender and blues from the lightest to the darkest tints. 



"Blue as the heaven it gazes at, 

 StartHng the loiterer in the naked groves 

 With unexpected beauty; for the time 

 Of blossoms and green leaves is yet afar." 



Some of the plants have double, some single flowers. The bees are 

 attracted to them by the odor and collect the nectar and pollen. 

 The young blooms close as the sun begins to set and open between 

 eight and nine in the morning with the exception of cloudy days 

 when they remain closed. When the flowers grow old and begin 



Figure 2. — Bloodroot 



