PEA FAMILY 



of this gray-hued bush marks the existence of lead ore 

 in the soil ; and for no other reason than that the 

 plant being densely covered with silvery hairs has a 

 certain leaden color. It is well known to the medical 

 profession that many plants formerly in high repute 

 for their medicinal properties are absolutely worth- 

 less ; and that the only reason for this reputation was 

 the resemblance more or less marked between some 

 part of the plant and some part of the human body. 

 In like manner the prophetic value of the Lead Plant 

 is based upon nothing more substantial than the gray 

 color of its leaves. 



The Downy Amorpha is a very attractive bush ; the 

 fine compound leaves clothed in silken gray contrast 

 well with the deep purple spikes of flowers bright- 

 ened by their golden stamens. The gardeners report 

 it as hardy, and also as valuable for color combina- 

 tions. Its blooming season continues several weeks. 



Another plant of the genus, Amorplia nana, is also 

 found on the western prairies. This is a low bushy 

 shrub, not more than three feet high, with compound 

 leaves of thirteen to nineteen tiny, bright green leaf- 

 lets and a terminal solitary spike of brilliant fragrant 

 flowers, each with its purple banner and its golden 

 stamens. 



WOAD WAXEN. DYER'S GREENWEED 



Genista tinctoria. 

 Genista is Celtic for small shrub ; the root is gen, a bush. 



A low branching shrub, one to two feet high, with creeping 

 root-stalks and upright branches. A native of Europe, it has 



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