THE MARS1LIAS. 



HERE is scarcely a genus of plants 

 anywhere whose species have a 

 more general resemblance to one 

 another than the genus Marsilia. 

 The four-leaved clover is the un- 

 varying pattern after which the 

 leaves are cut, and when the collector has once seen a 

 single species he will have no trouble in referring sub- 

 sequent finds to its proper genus at least. Specific 

 differences are found in such matters as size, hairiness, 

 and the number and arrangement of the sporocarps. 

 At least four good species are known within our limits, 

 only one being found in the Eastern States, the others 

 being confined to the West and Southwest. 



Marsilia i^uadrifolia. 



Marsilia qnadrifolia is a common species of the Old 

 World extending from southern Europe to India, China, 

 and Japan. In America it has been found at only a 

 single station, Bantam Lake, Connecticut, and this cir- 

 cumstance has suggested the idea that it is not really 

 native to our country. But, if not a native, the plant 

 has become so thoroughly settled in its home that it 

 may justly be claimed as a naturalised member of our 



