THE MARSILIAS. 



HERE is scarcely a genus of plants 

 anywhere whose species have a 

 more general resemblance to one 

 another than the genus Jllarsilia. 

 The four-leaved clover is the un- 

 varying pattern after which the 

 leaves are cut, and when the collector has once seen a 

 single species he will have no trouble in referring sub- 

 sequent finds to its proper genus at least. Specific 

 differences are found in such matters as size, hairiness, 

 and the number and arrangement of the sporocarps- 

 At least four good species are known within our limits, 

 only one being found in the Eastern States, the others 

 beincT confined to the West and Southwest. 



Marsilia ^luadrifolia. 



Marsilia qitadrifolia is a common species of the Old 

 World extending from southern Europe to India, China, 

 and Japan. In America it has been found at only a 

 single station. Bantam Lake, Connecticut, and this cir- 

 cumstance has suggested the idea that it is not really 

 native to our country. But, if not a native, the plant 

 has become so thoroughly settled in its home that it 

 may justly.be claimed as a naturalised member of our 



