PLANTS THAT ARE ATHLETES 87 
the lighter side or portion of the object upon which 
it climbs. 
The American wistaria (Kraunhia frutescens) 
is one of the most popular of climbing athletes. 
It is commonly found in the South and West where 
its blossoms form a veritable canopy of purple over 
the porches and trees in the early spring. Later, 
when its leaves are fully developed, its boughs are 
a favourite nesting place for mocking-birds. The 
wistaria sometimes grows to the enormous height 
of sixty feet, its grey stems looking not unlike 
twisted wooden arms reaching upward. 
Yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is 
perhaps the most typical of all American twiners. 
The genus has only this single species, and no very 
near relatives outside of the American continent. 
The vine has small, willow-like leaves, and is usually 
classed as an evergreen, but it has been known to 
shed its leaves at intervals. 
This interesting climber blossoms among the 
earliest flowers of spring. It is not uncommon to 
find it in full bloom in January, especially in Texas 
and Florida; and in March, Alabama and Missis- 
sippi are filled with its fragrance. It delights in 
climbing over bushes and shrubs, and often its 
delicate yellow flowers may be seen in great pro- 
