BLUE AND PURPLE WILD FLOWERS 
set erect and loosely along the upper side of the 
branches. The tubular calyx is five-toothed and 
finely ribbed. The corolla has five tiny petals. They 
blossom from July to October. The bitter root fur- 
nishes a powerful astringent which has been exten- 
sively employed, especially in New England, as a 
local application for relieving canker sores. The 
roots of a larger species is used in Spain and Russia for 
tanning hides. The Marsh Rosemary is an open, 
frail-looking plant, and as the fragrant flowers do not 
lose their colour, dried bunches are used for decorat- 
ing vases and mantels, and are said to keep away 
moths. Simonium is an ancient name of the wild 
beet. 
FRINGED GENTIAN 
Gentiana crinita. Gentian Family. 
This lovely Gentian has been considered one of the 
choicest of American wild flowers. There is never 
any certainty of finding it from year to year, because 
it does not establish itself permanently in any par- 
ticular spot or locality. It has a general liking for low, 
moist woods and meadows, and is a late bloomer, 
coming into flower during September and October. 
It is rather rare in the vicinity of dense communities, 
and is likely to become even more so than the Trailing 
Arbutus, as it is extremely difficult to cultivate. This 
genera has been dedicated to Gentius, King of Ancient 
Illyria, who is said to have discovered its medicinal 
qualities. This species has been proposed as our 
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