flIMnt Jfamil^. 



Spearmint. Mentha virides. 



Found in old orchards and in upland pastures, by runnels, or wet 

 hollows, during August. 



The stalk (from 1 to 2 feet in height) bears branches in pairs ; it 

 is square, firm-fibred, and smooth. The color is green, with a purple 

 tone. 



The oval leaf, with its tapering, long tip, has a notched margin, is 

 much veined, and is coarse in texture, while its surface is a trifle glossy. 

 It has a strong aromatic flavor to the taste. In color it is green, show- 

 ing ■ the same red-purple of the stems at the ribs and margins. The 

 leaves are set in pairs that spring at right angles to each other. 



The very small tubular corolla is 4-divided, and dark lavendei' in 

 color ; the 5-parted calyx is green. The flowers are set in whorls about 

 the stalk, with a space between each whorl, — beneath each ring of 

 flowers, and supporting it in its place, are seen a pair of little purple- 

 tinted bracts. 



According to personal observation, the buds become dark purple 

 in color on the south side of the stalk before those on the north side 

 have lost their green. This is one of the nattiest of the Mints in 

 growth, and is held in especial affection by children. 



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