BED OR B EDDISH PURPLE 105 



Flotvers. — The staminate and pistillate 

 flowers often grow on different plants. Tbey 

 form long, loose spikes. June. 



The fruit of this plant is highly decorative, and 

 if gathered before the capsule opens will develop 

 in the house and remain in good condition 

 throughout the winter. The woody vine coils 

 upon itself, and climbs over fences and trees. I 

 shall never forget the glory Avhich a roadside 

 nook revealed one bright autumnal day. The 

 dark Pine and White Birch were growing to- 

 gether, and winding in and out and over both 

 gleamed the bright berries of the Bittersweet. 

 It was too beautiful to spoil, and we left it 

 undisturbed. It grows from North Carolina 

 northward, but is said to be rare in the White 

 Mountain country. 



LEATHERWOOD. MOOSEWOOD 

 Dirca palustris Mezereon Family 



Fruit. — The oval, shining, reddish drupes are 

 solitary or from two to three in a cluster. Each 

 fruit contains a compressed ovate seed. The 

 flesh is thin and tough. The fruit matures 

 rapidly and falls early. 



