IRose Jfamil^. 



Pasture Rose. Rosa humilis. 



Found on rocky hillsides, and in dry thickets, during June or 

 July. 



The branching, leafy stalk is rather slender, firm-fibred, and 

 smooth, and grows about 2 or 3 feet high ; its spines are occasional, 

 short and fine, and either straight or slightly down-curved, — they occur 

 also in paii-s at the base of the leaf. In color green, with, or without, 

 bronzy-red streaks. 



The leaflets, 3 to 7 in number, are a long-oval shape, — frequently 

 narrow, — sharp pointed, with an irregularly toothed margin, a thin, 

 firm, close texture, the ribs bristly underneath. In color a fine I'ich 

 green. The leaves are alternately placed, and clasp the stalk with a 

 pair of flaring, narrow wings (" stipules "). 



The petals are 5, heart-shaped, and shell-like, the texture is thin, 

 showing the veins ; color, a pure and delicate rose-pink. The stamens 

 are short, many, and yellow ; the pistils gathered in a small crimson 

 center. The bright green calyx-divisions are 5, long and narrow, deeply 

 and sharply cleft, covered with bristles. The flowers on leafy stems, 

 are placed, terminally, or along the branches, in pairs, or singly. 



The blossoms are odorous, and abundant, — their petals are beauti- 

 fully curved. The plants grow in thick plantations, and are partial to 

 u]Dland pastures, where they contest their rights with the Hardhack, 

 and Everlastings, and even crowd upon the red cedars and wild apple 

 trees. 



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