136 PEARLS AND PEBBLES. 



are they that they will let one come within a few feet of 

 them before they dart off to the nearest tree or post. 

 One kind is striped, with a red spot on its head ; the 

 larger ones are more spotted. 



Though there is less luxuriance in the herbage grow- 

 ing beneath the pines than under the maples and 

 beeches, we yet find some rare and lovely plants flourish- 

 ing there that are not found in the richer soil under the 

 hardwood trees. 



Many of the little evergreens known by the familiar 

 and descriptive name of wintergreens abound, especially 

 the beautiful starry-flowered pyrolas. 



Here is one, the Pipsissewa or " Rheumatism Weed " 

 of the herbalist, with the glossy shining leaves and 

 lovely wax-like pink flowers. It is a floral gem. Mark 

 its rosy stem, its dark green serrated leaves and umbel 

 of pink-tinted flowers. Within the hollow of each petal 

 we see the stamens and amethyst-colored anthers sur- 

 rounding the thick-ribbed, turban-shaped stigma in the 

 centre of emerald green. Who can look upon this 

 exquisite flower without a feeling of pleasure ? It 

 seems to me perfect in all its parts. 



There are many others of this family growing in the 

 woods, but they generally prefer the richer soil under 

 the hardwood trees, where also they can get more 

 moisture. 



Of these the Moneses unijiora is one of the most 

 beautiful. It has but one pure milk-white blossom, each 



