wager] 



SPRING WILD FLOWERS 



177 



thickly growing that you will hesitate to walk through them, lest 

 you tread them down. For four weeks or more will the blossoms 

 continue to develop, those at the base of the scape developing 

 their fruits, while at the summit new buds and blossoms appear. 

 Finally their work is done ; grasses are growing high, shutting out 

 the light; their seeds are scattered, and their store of food for the 

 spring to follow is hidden away underground, and we shall see 

 them no more for a time. 



Fig. 3. 



Spring Beauties and Dog's-tooth Violets over which the trees 

 cast their dark shadows 



By the time the spring beauties are well under way in their 

 blooming, the dog's-tooth violet will make its appearance. Its 

 mottled leaves have been growing for some days, and the single 

 bud in the erect scape now opens, and the nodding bell-shaped 

 blossom quivers in the passing breeze. It is a tender blossom, 

 quickly wilting when plucked, its perianth soon falling away. 

 In comjjany with the spring beauty, over which they seem to hold 

 sway, they present, however, a most pleasing picture. For you 

 will find these two flowers growing in intimate association, forming 



