STUDIES OF PLANT LIFE 
the axils of the two broad peltate, lobed and shining leaves; 
the first year’s leaves are single and smaller, and the young 
plant is flowerless. 
The corolla of the flower consists of from six to nine con- 
cave greenish-white thick petals; sepals (or calyx leaves), 
six; the edges of the petals are generally torn or ragged; 
the handsome flower, slightly drooping between the two 
large leaves, gives out a powerful scent, not agreeable if 
inhaled too closely, but pleasant at a little distance. 
The plant increases by buds from the thickly matted 
fleshy root-stock; the roots form a singular network under 
the soft vegetable mould, spreading horizontally, at every 
articulation sending up a pair of fruit-bearing scapes. A 
single-leafed plant is most probably a seedling of the former 
year. 
The fruit of the May-apple is a large fleshy berry; the 
outer rind when ripe is yellow, otherwise darkish-green 
and of a rank, unpleasant flavor; the inner or pulpy part 
is white, soft, and filled with somewhat bony light-brown 
seeds. When not over-ripe this pulpy part may be eaten; 
it is sub-acid and pleasant. The fruit makes a fine preserve 
with white sugar and when flavored with lemon-peel and 
ginger, but the outer coat I would not make use of. The 
fruit is ripe in August, and should be gathered when the 
first yellow spots on the outer coat indicate ripeness, and 
laid in a sunny window for a few days. 
The medicinal value of the root of this remarkable plant 
is now so well established that it has superseded the use of 
calomel in complaints of the liver with most medical 
practitioners in this country, but so powerful are its pro- 
perties that it should never be used by unskilful persons. 
Ignorant persons have been poisoned by mistaking the 
leaves for those of the Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) 
56 
