134 COROLLIFLOR^ 



part of the seed it proceeds, curves towards the supportmg tree, 

 and becomej flattened at the extremity Uke the proboscis of a fly. 

 Finally it pierces the bark and roots itself in the growing wood, 

 having the power of selecting and appropriating to its own use such 

 juices as are fitted for its sustenance. Great virtues were attributed 

 to the Mistletoe by the Di uids, but at present its medicinal properties 

 are in no repute, though at Christmas time the plant is gathered 

 and sold in enormous quantities, and is at that season the symbol 

 of a strange spirit of superstitious frivolity too well known to need 

 description. Much of the Mistletoe sold in England at Christmas 

 comes from the Continent. 



The Mistletoe may readily be propagated by attaching the fresh 

 seeds to the smooth bark of an Apple or other tree. This should 

 not be done at Christmas, for though seeds are easily obtainable at 

 that season they usually do not ripen until later. It should also 

 be remembered that birds are likely to eat the planted berries unless 

 they are protected by some means ; and also that though Mistletoe 

 is a picturesque object in an orchard, much of it is apt to be detri- 

 mental to the health of the trees. 



I. ViscuM (Mistletoe). — Stamens and pistils on separate plants. 

 Barren flower, calyx o ; petals 4, fleshy, united at the base, each 

 bearing an anther. Fertile flower, calyx a mere rim ; petals 4, very 

 small ; stigma sessile ; berry l-seeded, crowned by the calyx. (Name, 

 the Latin name of the plant, from the stickiness of the berries.) 



ViscuM Album [Cunniton Mistletoe) 



I. ViscuM {Mistletoe) 

 I. V. album (Common Mistletoe). — The only British species. 

 Growing on a great variety of trees, especially the Apple, exceed- 

 ingly rare on the Oak. The stem is green and smooth, separating 

 ea.sily when dead into bone-like joints ; the leaves are thick and 

 leathery, of a yellow hue, the whole plant being most conspicuous in 

 winter, when its white berries ripen. — Fl. March to May. Perennial. 



