STUDIES OF PLANT LIFE 



the axils of the two broad peltate, lobed and shining leaves; 

 the first year's leaves are single and smaller, and the young 

 plant is fiowerless. 



The corolla of the flower consists of from six to nine con- 

 cave greenish- white thick petals; sepals (or calyx leaves), 

 six; the edges of the petals are generally torn or ragged; 

 the handsome flower, slightly drooping between the two 

 large leaves, gives out a powerful scent, not agreeable if 

 inhaled too closely, but pleasant at a little distance. 



The plant increases by buds from the thickly matted 

 fleshy root-stock; the roots form a singular network under 

 the soft vegetable mould, spreading horizontally, at every 

 articulation sending up a pair of fruit-bearing scapes. A 

 single-leafed plant is most probably a seedling of the former 

 year. 



The fruit of the May-apple is a large fleshy berry; the 

 outer rind when ripe is yellow, otherwise darkish-green 

 and of a rank, unpleasant flavor; the inner or pulpy part 

 is white, soft, and filled with somewhat bony light-brown 

 seeds. When not over-ripe this pulpy part may be eaten; 

 it is sub-acid and pleasant. The fruit makes a fine preserve 

 with white sugar and when flavored with lemon-peel and 

 ginger, but the outer coat I would not make use of. The 

 fruit is ripe in August, and should be gathered when the 

 first yellow spots on the outer coat indicate ripeness, and 

 laid in a sunny window for a few days. 



The medicinal value of the root of this remarkable plant 

 is now so well established that it has superseded the use of 

 calomel in complaints of the liver with most medical 

 practitioners in this country, but so powerful are its pro- 

 perties that it should never be used by unskilful persons. 

 Ignorant persons have been poisoned by mistaking the 

 leaves for those of the Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) 



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