Ibeatb family. 



Shinleaf. Pyrola elliptica. 



Found in the woods in June. 



The little underground stalk throws up a few leaves, and a flower 

 stem which reaches 6 or 8 inches in height. 



The leaf is round, or oval, showing the midrib and veins, with an 

 entire margin whose edge curls under, and a tough leathery fibre. It is 

 evergreen, dark and strong in color, the ribs and veins being whitish. 

 It is set on a short, margined, reddish stem, which is protected at the 

 ground by an enfolding dark sheath. 



The 5 petals of the flower form a cup ; they are thin and waxen 

 in texture, and are pale greenish-white ; the 10 yellow-tipped white 

 stamens huddle all together in the upper part of the cup ; the long 

 curved pistil is down-bent; the calyx is 5-parted, flat, and green. 

 Several flowers on short, down-turned, green-reddish stems, ai^e placed 

 together upon a slender, erect, green stem which rises from the ground ; 

 it is tinted reddish at its base, and midway its length bears one small 

 red-green bract. 



There is a smack of individuality about this plant ; it presents an 

 appearance of being self-suiBcing, and exclusive, though gi'owing in 

 more or less numerous companionship with its kindred. 



392 



