Composite family. 



Common Sow Thistle. Sonchus oleraceus. 



Found io fields, and cultivated lands in August. 



The stalk varies in height from 1 to 4 feet ; it is single, and leafy, 

 somewhat tvristing, tougher in fibre than 8. a^er, hollow, with a milky 

 Juice, and smooth. Color, a cool green. 



The curiously cut leaf (about 6 inches long) is divided into a large 

 triangular tip, a pair of acute-angled flaring side divisions, and narrow 

 long-pointed bases which project like sharp-pointed wings beyond the 

 stalk they clasp. Occasional leaves are not cut, and are merely lance- 

 shaped. The midrib is flat above, and round beneath ; the margin is 

 toothed, with fine, weak spines ; the texture is firm, and the surface is 

 smooth and shining. Color, a fine cool green, the underside silvery 

 with bloom. The arrangement is alternate. 



The flowers are similar in color, size, and arrangement to S. asper. 

 The foot-stems are sometimes bristly with short hairs, and at their 

 junction occurs a long-pointed, small leaf, whose margin is entire. 

 Below the flower-cluster the stalk is bare for a considerable space ; 

 single flower-heads spring from the angles of the leaves the greater part 

 of its height. 



The immature flower-heads are wrapped in a woolly blanket. The 

 leaf is something like a Dandelion's in shape, and interesting from a 

 decorative point of view. These plants are said to be common to many 

 countries, — Eui'ope, Africa, and New Zealand. In the last-named 

 region an old traveller says the parrots " of beauteous dyes, but odious 

 accents "' feed upon it. 



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