Sayifragc jfamil^. 



Mitre- Wort. Mitella dipliylla. 



Bishop's Cap. 



Found on moist banks and in light woods in May. 



Leaves and flowering stems, to the height of 8 to 15 inches, or 

 more, spring from the root. 



The leaf is somewhat triangular in shape, with a pointed tip and 

 deeply heart-shaped base ; 3- to 5-lobed, each lobe being slightly cut 

 into 3 or 5 notches, the ribs and veins noticeable, the texture thin and 

 loose, and hairy on both sides, the underside being also glossy ; in 

 color a full green. The leaf is borne singly on a long very hairy stem, 

 which is tinged with red near the foot. Small, very short-stemmed 

 leaves also occur in single pairs upon the flower-stems. 



The flower is small, exquisitely shaped, with its 5 white petals cut 

 into little branching threads in the semblance of a snow crystal ; the 10 

 little yellow stamens Just show within their hollow center ; the yellow- 

 white cup-shaped calyx is slightly 5-parted. The flowers are set on 

 tiny foot-stems, and arranged in a spire upon a tall, slender, somewhat 

 hairy stem. 



Several leaves and two or three flower spires rise from the earth 

 together, each protected by purple-red sheaths. The sole occasion for 

 its name lies in the quaint shape of the seed. 



i8o 



