flDint jfamil^. 



Peppermint. Mmtha piperita. 



Found along meadow runlets and brooks, — near clear water, — in 

 August. 



The branching, leafy stalk, from 12 to 15 inches high, is square, 

 woody-fibred, smooth, and shining. It is a noticeably dark purple- 

 tinted green, sometimes reddish. 



The leaf is oval with a broad base and sharp tip, the margin is 

 toothed, its ribs are noticeable, and texture thin, the under surface 

 being slightly rough, although the upper is velvety ; its color is green, 

 toned with purple, which shows upon the upper side of the midrib and 

 along the edge. The leaves are set on short purplish stems, and 

 arranged in pairs, which grow at right angles to each other. 



The very minute flower has a 2-lipped tubular corolla, the upper 

 and lower lips being cleft, or faintly notched, in the middle ; it is lav- 

 ender, and so is the pale projecting pistil. The calyx is 5-parted, very 

 slightly hairy, and green-purple in color. The flowers are arranged in 

 compact whorls, and form a close, short, round, terminal spike. 



Its pungent odor and taste are the most commonly noted traits of 

 this Mint, but the rich-toned shining stalk is more worth observation. 



51° 



