Ibeatb Jfamili?. 



False Beech Drops. Monot/ropa Hijpopitys. 



Pine Sap. 



Found growing upon the roots of pine or oak trees, from June to 

 September. 



The single and erect stalk is about 6 or 8 inches high ; thick, fleshy, 

 and smooth, or downy. It is pale at the foot, deepening to a crimson- 

 red near the flowers. 



The small and sheath-like bracts are indeterminate in shape, thin 

 and dry. In color yellow-red, turning blackish w^hen withered. A few 

 only occur upon the stalk. 



The small flowers are irregularly vase-shaped, and composed of 8 

 or 10 narrow fleshy parts with crinkled tips ; they are set on short 

 stems, in the clasp of a bract, and arranged in terminal groups of 2 to 5 

 in number. The color is rosy-red, with yellow tips, — flowers, bracts, 

 and the top of the stalk following the same scheme of color. 



A parasite, growing upon the roots, and, though not unpleasing in 

 general aspect when perfectly fresh, betraying the base quality of its 

 nature when mature, for an unwholesome mould spreads over its parts 

 as it grows old. When first opened the flowers turn down, but become 

 ei'ect with age. 



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