10 LIVER-LEAF. 



planted early in spring, and (lou])t]css if properly supplied with black 

 mould from the woods and partially sheltered by shrubs it would 

 continue to grow and flourish with us constantly. 



We have two sorts, //. acutiloba, and //. triloba. A large variety 

 has been found on Long Island in Rice Lake; the leaves of which 

 aivfice lohed: the lobes much rounded, the leafstalks stout, densely 

 silky, the flowers large, of a deep purple blue. This handsome plant 

 throve under careful cultivation and proved highly ornamental. 



The small round closely folded buds of the Hepatica appear before 

 the white silky leaves unfold themselves, though many of the old 

 leaves of the former year remain persistent through the winter. The 

 buds rise from the centre of a silken bed of soft sheaths and vounj>: 

 leaves, as if nature kindly provided for the warmth and protection of 

 these early flowers with parental care. 



Later in the season, the young leaves expand just before the 

 flowers drop off. The white flowered is the most common among our 

 Hepaticas, but varieties may be seen of many hues: waxen-pink, pale 

 blue and azure blue with intermediate shades and tints. 



The lle})atica belongs to the Xat. Ord. Ranunculacea?, the crow- 

 foot family, but possesses none of the acrid and poisonous qualities of 

 the Ranunculus proper, being used in medicine, as a mild tonic, by the 

 American herb doctors in fevers and disorders of the liver. 



It is very probable that its healing virtues in complaints of the 

 liver gave rise to its common name in old times: some assign the name 

 to the form of the lobed leaf. r 



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