Xil^ Jfamili?. 



Carrion Flower. Sviilao! Tierhacea. 



Found in moist meadows, along river banks, and in wayside 

 thickets in June. 



The round, smooth, tough, green stalk grows upward at first, but 

 soon swings over to one side with a strong curve, leaning on surround- 

 ing plants for support, and further assisting its progress by means of 

 many small twining tendrils. 



The large leaf is nearly round, and somewhat heart-shaped at the 

 base ; it has an entire edge, and strongly marked parallel ribs ; though 

 thin, it is tough, and has a smooth, shining surface, and a bright green 

 color. The leaves are alternate at short intervals, almost crowded. The 

 tendrils spring from the angles of the leaves. 



The small flower has its parts in threes, with twice three stamens ; 

 it is dull light green in color. Very many flowers, some 20 to 40, on 

 short flower-stems, are 'gathered together in a round head ; this head 

 is on the end of a stem from 4 to 6 or more inches long. The flowers 

 exhale a disagreeable odor which gives rise to its folk-name. 



The fruit is a round blue-black berry ; as it has not the objection- 

 able odor of the flower, the vine becomes more attractive in its fruiting 

 than in its blossoming season. 



584 



