BLUE AND PURPLE WILD FLOWERS 



set erect and loosely along the upper side of the 

 branches. The tubular calyx is five-toothed and 

 finely ribbed. The corolla has five tiny petals. They 

 blossom from July to October. The bitter root fur- 

 nishes a powerful astringent which has been exten- 

 sively employed, especially in New England, as a 

 local application for relieving canker sores. The 

 roots of a larger species is used in Spain and Russia for 

 tanning hides. The Marsh Rosemary is an open, 

 frail-looking plant, and as the fragrant flowers do not 

 lose their colour, dried bunches are used for decorat- 

 ing vases and mantels, and are said to keep away 

 moths. Simoniutn is an ancient name of the wild 

 beet. 



FRINGED GENTIAN 



Gentiana crinita. Gentian Family. 



This lovely Gentian has been considered one of the 

 choicest of American wild flowers. There is never 

 any certainty of finding it from year to year, because 

 it does not establish itself permanently in any par- 

 ticular spot or locality. It has a general liking for low, 

 moist woods and meadows, and is a late bloomer, 

 coming into flower during September and October. 

 It is rather rare in the vicinity of dense communities, 

 and is likely to become even more so than the Trailing 

 Arbutus, as it is extremely difficult to cultivate. This 

 genera has been dedicated to Gentius, King of Ancient 

 Illyria, who is said to have discovered its medicinal 

 qualities. This species has been proposed as our 



344 



