THE IIUCKLEP.KRRV FAMILY. 401 



is in the low pine-barrens of Florida and (Georgia where as early as March 

 it opens its ovoid corolla. 



V. Myrstnites is rather similar to Vaccinium nitidum but shows occa- 

 sionally bristly, serrulate margins about its small, obovate, or lanceolate, 

 more veiny leaves. It also inhabits sandy barrens, growing usually from 

 six to eighteen inches high, 



SOUTHERN nOUNTAIN CRANBERRY. 



Oxycik-ciis cryt/irociupiis. 



FAMILY COLOUR 



Hu.klfbcrry. Pale rose: 



Fhru'crs : small, nodding from long, slender pedicels and growing singly along 

 tlie branches in the axils of the leaves. Calyx : small, with four distinct points. 

 6'(w//a : cylindric ; deeply four-parted, the divisions recurved. 6'A/;//<v/j- ; eight. 

 Pistil : one. Fruit: a globose, dark red berry, insipid to the taste. Leaves : ob- 

 long or ovate-lanceolate, i)()inted at both ends, or rounded or cordate at the base ; 

 thin ; finely serrate, the teeth projecting bristles. A shrub, one to si.\ feet high 

 with reddish or grey, often pubescent, twigs. 



Regarding the many shrubs that spread themselves over the hillsides we 

 cannot doubt that in Nature's great household they serve a variety of uses, 

 and it would seem that we, coming in for our share of all benefits, should 

 learn to know them better. To those that walk little in the woods it is 

 astonishing, in fact alarming, to be with one who nibbles first at this and then 

 at that plant and in the full consciousness that he is simply av^ailing himself 

 of a generously spread meal. He dreads not being poisoned, for he knows 

 the qualities and traits of each one. The bright or dark red berries of this 

 cranberry are knowingly passed by. They in their mountain home are 

 pretty to look at, but most insipid to the taste. Further along there may 

 be something better. The leaves of the shrub when it is in fruit are at- 

 tractive, being a more vivid, bright green than when it is showing its delicate 

 bloom. They then are pale, often with a copper-like, sunny tint. 



THE DIAPEN5IA FAMILY. 



Diapcjisiaccfc. 



In our range including three genera of tufted or scapose herbs 7C'ith 

 basal or alternate., simple leaves and which bear perfect, regular foicers, 

 cither gajnopetalous, or polypetalous, and having their parts in fives. 



