134 OTHER AMERICAN PLANTS. 



The Gaultheria. 



A genus of low, shrubby plants, with neat flow- 

 ers and showy berries, particularly adapted for cov- 

 ering the surface of the ground, or for planting under 

 trees, where little else will grow. They need no 

 special culture beyond being planted in sandy peat, 

 or open loamy soil ; and propagate readily by suckers. 



Gaultheria procumbens. 



This pretty little species is the well-known " Check- 

 erberry " of our woods, and produces the aromatic, 

 red berries so often seen in the markets. The stem 

 is slender, creeping, never more than a few inches 

 high. The leaves are evergreen, shining, and 

 strongly aromatic to the taste ; the flowers are 

 pinkish-white, nodding. This plant is especially 

 suitable for covering the surface of Rhododendron- 

 beds, and is ornamental in foliage, flower, and fruit. 

 The best way is to transplant them from the woods. 

 A few set liere and there will rapidly spread and 

 cover the surface, doing no injury to the larger 

 plants. 



Figured in And. Rep. 2, t. 116 ; Bot. Mag. 45, t. 

 1966 ; Lodd. Cab. t. 82 ; Barton, Med. 15 ; Big. 

 Med. 22. 



Gaultheria Shallon. 



A fine species from the north-western coast of 

 America. The leaves are large, coarse, dull green; 

 the flowers pinkish-white, very showy ; the berries 

 purplish-black, edible. 



