Nat. Ord. Fumariace^.— (Fumitoky Family.) 



SQUIRKEL corn: 



Dicmtra Canadensis, 



[HIS graceful plant belongs to the fumitory family, of which 

 we have many cultivated varieties in Britain and else- 

 where. Here our lovely flower grows wild in rich 

 black mould in the forest, and in recently cleared spots 

 within its protecting shadow, where its drooping bells and rich scent 

 have gained for it the not very inappropriate name of " Wild 

 Hyacinth." The common name of " Squirrel-Corn" is derived from 

 the round orange tubers at the roots, resembling in size and colour 

 grains of Indian-Corn, and from their being a favourite food with the 

 ground squirrel. ' 



The blossoms are of a pellucid whiteness, sometimes tinged 

 with reddish lilac ; they form a drooping raceme on a round smooth 

 scape, springing from a scaly bud; the corolla is heart-shaped, 

 composed of four petals, in two pairs, flattenx^J and sac-like, the tips 

 united over the stigma, and slightly projecting; in D. cucullaria 

 assuming the likeness of the head of a fly, the cream-coloured 

 diverging petals presenting a strong resemblance to the deer-ily of 

 our lakes. This very charming species is known by the somewhat 

 vulgar name of "Breecues Flower" and "Dutchman's Breeches/ 

 A more descriptive name would be " Fly -Flower." 



