THE JULY PAGEANT. 85 
Toxicodendron, L.) with its leaf composed of three 
leaflets, a fact which easily distinguishes it from the 
woodbine or Virginia creeper (Ampelopsis quinguefolia, 
Michx.), which has five leaflets for its normal number, 
although six and even seven are often found. Then 
comes the stag-horn or velvet sumach (Rhus typhina, 
L.), easily distinguished by its densely velvety-hairy 
branches, the tallest of the genus in New England. 
The poison dogwood (Rhus venenata, DC.) is found in 
bloom about the same time. It is an elegant shrub, 
with a characteristic stem and foliage, the dread of 
those liable to be affected by its touch. Following 
closely is the smooth sumach (Rhus glabra, L.) easily 
distinguished by its smooth leaf-stem; and about a 
fortnight later the dwarf sumach (Rhus copallina, L.), 
of smaller size, of a smaller number of leaflets, and with 
a winged petiole, brings up the rear. 
Along country roads where they pass through low 
lands or by the margins of swamps or ponds, the char- 
acteristic inflorescence of the button-bush, the perfectly 
globular shape of its heads of nearly white flowers, 
attracts our attention. Almost always growing in the 
water, it defies attempts at cultivation. The swamp 
birds love it and often build their nests in it. The 
sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia, L.) delights in 
similar situations. It is by no means to be despised 
when we see it putting forth its long racemes of fragrant 
