HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 157 



The leaves, which at first enwrap the flower, grow 

 very large, and protect the seed-pods until they 

 ripen. 



There is but one species, and there are no well 

 defined varieties; though on some plants the flowers 

 are larger than on others, and the stamens show a 

 disposition to be converted into petals. 



A sunny nook in the garden is well filled with 

 this plant, which in deep, rich soil thrives without 

 care, and blooms freely every spring. 



The Jeffeesonia. 



The only species, J. diphylla, bears a pretty white 

 flower in early April, somewhat resembling that of 

 the bloodroot. The leaves and foot-stalks are blu- 

 ish-green, and the whole plant is glabrous : from the 

 leaves folding together in two equal parts, the popu- 

 lar name " Twinleaf " is derived. The seed-capsule 

 is very curious, opening by a hinged lid when the 

 seed is ripe. 



This is rather a rare plant, and is not found wild 

 in New England. In cultivation, it grows freely in 

 any good garden soil, and is easily propagated by 

 division. 



The Caltha. 



Early in spring the bright yellow blossoms of 

 the Marsh Marigold ( C. palustris} are very conspic- 

 uous in wet meadows, and the leaves are sold in the 

 markets as " water cresses." In cultivation, the 



