150 ENGLISH BOTANY. 



Rootstock terminating in a tuft of leaves, from the axils of 

 which stems are given off which lie on the ground and soon take 

 root at each joint, where smaller tufts of leaves are produced. 

 Leaflets increasing in size towards the apex of the leaf, so that 

 the outline of the whole leaf is oblaneeolate ; terminal leaflet ^ 

 to 2| inches long, the teeth very deep and sharp, commonly green 

 on the upper side, but sometimes white and silvery there as well 

 as on the underside. Flowers really terminal, the runner being 

 evidently continued from an axillary bud on tlie stem. Peduncles 

 2 to 6 inches long. Outer sepals elliptical, often cut, inner ones 

 roundish ovate-acuminate. Carpels large in comparison with those 

 of the other species of this genus, but often abortive. Whole 

 plant more or less silky hairy. 



Siher-iceed, 



French, Anserine, Argentine. German, Gemeiner Ganserich. 



The cominon name of this plant is caused by the silvery hairs with which the 

 under -side of the leaves are clothed, giving the whole plant a bright shining appearance. 

 In some of the Hebrides the inhabitants have often been supported by the roots for 

 months together ; they frequently tear them up by the plough for use. They are 

 simply prepared by roasting or boiling, and are said to taste like parsnijis. lu some 

 places they answer in a measure the purposes of bread, and it is said that when once 

 partaken of they become a favourite article of food. The leaves are somewhat astrin- 

 gent, and when dried and powdered have been given in agues. Withering recommends 

 a spoonful to be taken every three hours between the fits. 



Section II.— TERMINALES. Boll. 



Flowering-stems annual, terminating the divisions of the root- 

 stock. 



SPECIES VIII.-POTEN TILL A RUPESTRIS. Linn. 

 Plate CCCCXXXIV. 



Stems erect, slightly branched in the upper part. Radical 

 leaves on long stalks, pinnate, with 2 to 3 pairs of lateral leaflets 

 and a larger terminal one ; leaflets oval-obovate or roundish, irre- 

 gularly crenate-serrate or incised, with the divisions crenate- 

 serrate; stem-leaves ternate, shortly stalked or sub-sessile. Stipules 

 with the free portion very large, ovate or lanceolate, often incised. 

 Flowers in a lax irregular terminal cyme. Outer calyx-segments 

 about half the length of the inner and much narrower. Petals 

 white, orbicular, entire. Receptacle hairy. Carpels glabrous, 

 smooth. 



On limestone rocks, very rare. On Craig Brcidden, Montgo- 

 meryshire. 



England. Perennial. Early Summer. 



