BED OR n EDDISH PURPLE 63 



Leaves. — The radical leaves consist of three 

 broadly oval or obovate leaflets which are thick 

 and leathery. The leaflets are obtuse, bluntly 

 toothed, and hairy. The leaf stems are hairy, as 

 are also the stipules at the base of the petioles. 



Floivers. — The white flowers grow in small 

 racemes on naked, hairy stems. They have 

 many bright yellow stamens, which form a 

 pleasing contrast with the white petals. 



This is the common field strawberry of our 

 section. The strawberries, aside from propa- 

 gation by means of seeds, spread by runners, and 

 the plants are usually found growing in patches. 

 Fence corners, sandy knolls, and around rocks 

 are spots which often reward our search for 

 the berries. The common attractive color com- 

 bination of red and green is seen in the leaves as 

 w^ell as in the leaves and fruit. At the time of 

 fruiting some of the leaflets are often a bright 

 red. 



Nor do the fruits depend upon color alone as 

 a means of allurement, but send forth upon the 

 breezes a deliciously perfumed notice that they 

 are ready for guests. Have you not encountered 

 it and, following its lead, shared with the robins, 

 bluebirds, and downy woodpeckers, the delicious 



