Xobelia family. 



Brook Lobelia. Lobelia Kalmii. 



Found on moist ground in limestone soil, blossoming in July and 

 August. 



The erect, minutely angular stem, is slender, smooth and polished, 

 fine and at the same time strong in fibre ; in color a light grass-green. 



The small, narrow and grass-like leaf is about an inch long ; towards 

 the root it broadens a little at the tip ; color grass-green. The growth 

 is alternate. 



The corolla of the small, irregular flower is in 2 divisions, the 

 upper one with 2 narrow, upright parts, between which the stamens 

 show ; the lower one with 3 broad equal lobes ; the color varies from 

 deep lavender to light, and from a bluish to a pinkish tone ; the lower 

 division is marked with a broad white wedge-shaped spot near the 

 throat. The small calyx has 5 thread-like divisions, green, tinged with 

 lavender. From 3 to 4 flowers blossom at once on the top of the stem. 



This little Lobelia flourishes especially in the limestone regions of 

 the Green Mountains. It grows in communities among the short grass, 

 beside some wayside spring or runlet; the flowers, all facing in the same 

 direction, appear as though turned to greet the wayfarer. It is a plant 

 of delicate finish and color, with a lithe and graceful gesture. 



3S8 



