WILD FLOWERS OF COLORADO. 23 



a curiosity and so unlike any other root I have ever seen. They 

 try to preserve it by drying-, but it loses its shaj)e, and when dry 

 is not more than half the original size. 



Seeing a pretty path, and knowing it would lead me to our 

 hotel, I took it. I had gone but a short distance when I dis- 

 covered that I was under a perfect bower of clematis liousticifolia. 

 It was in full bloom and I could break off wreaths of it two 

 and three yards long. The blossoms are white, small and very 

 delicate, growing thickly on the slender stem or vine. 



The clematis in this state grows in great abundance, and 

 is often transplanted into gardens and b\ porches. It gives a fine 

 shade and is very ornamental. In the fall it looks like a mass of 

 feathery balls. I have seen it also used as an ornament in 

 dressing. Attending a party at one of our leading hotels early 

 one fall, a young lady attracted much attention by the artistic 

 arrangement of what was supposed to be little white feathers 

 in her hair and in the loopings of her thin pink dress. It was 

 the prettiest costume in the room. She was waltzino- near 

 me, and one of the little feathers dropped from her dress. Pick- 

 ing It up to restore it to its owner, I discovered it was the clematis. 



The party from the iron spring soon returned ; their carriages 

 could be seen at quite a distance by the many bright colors of the 

 flowers. Each one held an enormous bouquet in his hands. 

 Even the dogs had wreaths around their necks. "Here, we 

 have brought you material enough for a month — take your 

 choice;" a*" laying them down I was almost covered with 



