

HE Homely Figwort Attractive 

 TO Mistress Wasp 



In my initial illustration is 

 shown a sketch of the figwort, or 

 ScropJiulariiX, a tall, spindling, and 

 apparently altogether uninterest- 

 ing weed. It has rather fine, luxu- 

 riant leaves, it is true, but the tall, 

 curiously branching spray of small, 

 purplish-olive flowers is very in- 

 significant. Though so ordinary 

 in appearance, this weed has the 

 honor of giving its name to its 

 large and important family, other 

 common members of which are 

 the toadflax, butter-and-eggs, and 

 foxglove. The figwort has not 

 even a perfume, like the mignon- 

 ette, to atone for its plainness ; but 

 it has an odor, if not a perfume, and it has a nectary 



79 



■^m%. 



