PLANTS GROWING IN DRY SOIL. 295 



grappled successfully with the troublesome weeds of the sea- 

 son, along comes the thistle and rears itself in his pastures. Its 

 sharp red prickles are rather inconvenient to those of artistic 

 temperament who wish to show it any demonstration of affec- 

 tion ; but the bumble-bees love it dearly and enjoy sweet con- 

 verse with it unharmed. 



C. a?'vensis, or Canada thistle, is the common species along 

 the roadsides and in fields. It is readily known by its numerous 

 small flower-heads and although pretty it is a most pernicious 

 weed. 



