ROSACEyE. 137 



Stems nnmoroiTS, nearly simple, slender, procumbent, spreading 

 2 to 8 inclios long. Leaves shortly-stalked, ]■ to ^ incli long, 

 with the lamina gradually narrowed into the ])etiole, whicli thus 

 becomes winged. Stipules foliaceous, embracing tlie stem and 

 adnate to the petiole, the free portion divided into segments like 

 those of the leaves, those of the lower leaves frequently without 

 the palmate portion. Flowers about the size of grains of sago, 

 inclosed in the tul)e formed by the union of the stipules, sessile. 

 Calyx-tube campanulate, the inner row of segments 1, rarely 5, in 

 number, the outer ones rudimentary. Fruiting-calyx swollen, 

 ovoid. Plant greyish-green, with long scattered haii's. Lower 

 leaves soon decaying. 



Farsley Fieri, Field Lady's-Mantle. 



French, Alchemille des Champs, Perce-Pied. German, Feld Sinau. 



The common name of all the species of this genus is suggested by a fancied resem- 

 blance to such an article of clothing in the shape and vandyked edge of the leaf. It is 

 also called in some parts of the country Breakstone. The leaves are somewhat astrin- 

 gent, and when dried and powdered have been given in agues. It is mentioned by 

 Gerarde under the name of Wild Tansie, and is highly recommended for its " many 

 good vertues." In addition to its medical properties, he says : " The distilled water 

 takes away freckles, spots, pimples in the face, and sunburning ; but the herb laid to 

 infuse or steep in white wine is far better ; but the best of all is to steepe it in strong 

 white wine vinegar, the face being often bathed or washed therewith." 



Section IL— EU-ALCHEMILLA. Coss. & Germ. 



Perennials, with the flowers stalked, in terminal corymbose 

 cymes, which are often arranged in panicles. Calyx with the outer 

 row of teeth conspicuous. Fertile stamens generally 4. 



SPECIES IL—ALCHE MILL A VULGARIS. Linn. 



Plate CCCCXXIII. 



Rootstock thick, somewhat woody, producing numerous ascend- 

 ing or decumbent stems sUghtly branched above. Radical leaves 

 on long stalks, reniform-orbicular, plicate, green beneath, 7- to 

 9-lobed ; lobes extending about one-third way down, semicircular 

 or ovate, serrated throughout their whole length ; stem-leaves 

 shortly-stalked, usually 5- or 7-lobed. Lower stipules tubular, with 

 a very short denticulate free portion ; upper stipules resembling a 

 pair of connate leaves, narrowly lobed and cut. Flowers stalked, in 

 small irregular cymes with shortly racemose branches ; cymes com- 

 bined so as to form a lax panicle. 

 VOL. in. T 



