38 THE BLOOD-ROOT 



the white petals that botanists call sepals, almost 

 before it can be brought from its natural elements 

 into the harsh sunshine of the open roads. When 

 unmolested it may have two or three days of life, or 

 an adverse wind may scatter its white rays among 

 the fallen leaves in a few hours. It is tolerant of 

 transplanting, and when taken from its natural sur- 

 roundings will live its allotted time in a shady 

 garden. Under favourable conditions it will reappear 

 with each returning spring as regularly as the yellow 

 warblers that hurry invisibly among the opening 

 leaves on the Elms and Chestnuts. If the thick, rough 

 rootstock is wounded it bleeds freely, and the bright 

 red juice which gives the flower its name makes a 

 lasting stain. The Indians used it to heighten their 

 colour, and after the influences of civilisation brought 

 quieter tastes in personal adornment it was used in 

 decorating baskets and ornaments of straw, Birch 

 bark, and peeled Ash. Most of the original inhabi- 

 tants have now degenerated to the use of aniline 

 dyes, but the bright stain of the Blood-root is still 

 admired. After the flowers fall the leaves grow large 

 and strong, but never coarse, and the pods fill with 

 rich, brown, glossy seeds. The more showy flowers 

 of early summer are then abroad, but none can surpass 

 the charm of the timid, inquiring Blood-root that 

 rises carefully robed and folds back its mantle to come 

 forth daintily into the dawn of the year. 



