158 THROUGH GLADE AND MEAD. 
the oak grove behind the little schoolhouse was studded 
with them. It was many years afterwards before I saw 
either of the yellow lady’s slippers, which are now among 
my favorite flowers. 
The mountain rice is one of the grasses which serves 
as a reminder of a visit to Mount Wachusett in early 
spring: with it were found the fetid currant and the 
wood-rush. I thought I had found all the species of 
cotton-grass that could possibly be found in this neigh- 
borhood, but a friend brought me a new one (£7i0- 
phorum vaginatum, L.) from North Pond. 
It is fair to assume that Bryant had seen the scarlet 
painted-cup on the prairies of Illinois, for otherwise how 
could he sing: 
“The fresh savannas of the Sangamon 
Here rise in gentle swells, and the long grass 
Is mixed with rustling hazels. Scarlet tufts 
Are glowing in the green, like flakes of fire ; 
The wanderers of the prairie know them well, 
And call that brilliant flower the Painted Cup. 
Now, if thou art a poet, tell me not 
That these bright chalices were tinted thus 
To hold the dew for fairies, when they meet 
On moonlight evenings in the hazel bowers, 
And dance till they are thirsty. Call not up 
Amid this fresh and virgin solitude, 
The faded fancies of an elder world: 
