WATER-PLANTAIN FAMILY. 



ALISMACE^. 

 Arrowhead. Sagitta/ria variabilis. 



Found in shallow water and low moist grounds, from July to 

 August. 



The leaf- and flower-stems rise 1 or 2 feet from the root. 



The leaf varies very much in size and proportion ; it is arrow- 

 t;haped, with strong ribs, a smooth and fine surface, and is borne on a 

 single stem that rises directly from the root. It is green, of a vigorous 

 quality. 



The flowers leave 3 rounding petals, concave, and of an exception- 

 ally pure white color. They are of two kinds, sometimes borne on 

 separate stems, sometimes upon the same stem (in which case the 

 stamen-bearing flowers are placed upon its upper part) ; the stamens 

 are many, and of a pure orange yellow, making a heart of gold in their 

 white blossoms, while the pistil appears in its flower as a beautiful light 

 green ball. The calyx is green and 3-parted. The flowers are arranged 

 in whorls of threes and fours, upon inch long foot-stems, which are 

 placed along a large many-angled, green stem, rising from the root. 



The Arrowhead is attractive in all its parts, and in its gesture ; 

 it is truly decorative, and suggests the subjects treated by the best 

 Gothic artists. 



6io 



