BY JOHN H. SEARS. 101 



on tillage lands is one of the worst weeds, as it twines around young 

 plants. It is especially abundant in Danvers, Salem and Marblehead. 



Dodder, Cuscuta Epilinum. In Europe this plant is very injurious 

 to the Flax. It is common in many parts of this county and is para- 

 sitic on the bark of Asters, etc. 



ORDER Solanacese. 



Thorn Apple, Datura Stramonium, waste grounds. It is a dan- 

 gerous, but well known weed, its seeds being a powerful emetic. 

 From Asia. 



ORDER Fhytolaccacece. 



Garget or Pigeon-berry, Phytolacca decandra, tall and stout peren- 

 nials, growing on burnt land and reclaimed swamps. The stout stalks 

 are eaten as a substitute for asparagus in early spring. 



ORDER Chenopodiaceee. 



The Pigweeds, Chenopodium album, etc., are all naturalized from 

 Europe. The beet and spinach are in the same family. 



ORDER Amarantacese. 



Green Amaranths or Sugar-weed, Amarantus. There are three 

 species, all natives of tropical America. 



ORDER Polygonacese. 



Polygonum, Knot- weeds, we have thirteen species growing as weeds 

 in the county. Those commonly known are called Smart-weed, the 

 Arrow-leaved Tear-thumb, Goose-grass, Water pepper, Lady's Thumb 

 with a dark spot in the leaf, and are among the best known. 



Curled Dock, Rumex crispus, fields and roadsides. Common. Eu- 

 ropean. 



Yellow Dock, Rumex obtusifolius, fields and roadsides. Common. 

 European. 



Field or Sheep Sorrel. Rumex acetosella, everywhere abundant. 



ORDER Eupliorbiacese. 



Spurge, Euphorbia maculata, grows in open places everywhere, es- 

 pecially in gravel walks. 



ESSEX INST. BULLETIN, VOL. XV. 8* 



