

PLANTS GROWING IN DRY SOIL. 295 
grappled successfully with the troublesome weeds of the sea- 
son, along comes the thistle and rears itself in his pastures, Its 
sharp red prickles are rather inconvenient to those of artistic 
temperament who wish to show it any demonstration of affec- 
tion; but the bumble-bees love it dearly and enjoy sweet con- 
- verse with it unharmed; | 
 C. arvénsis, or Canada thistle, is the common species along 
the roadsides and in fields. It is readily known by its numerous 
small flower-heads and although pretty it is a most pernicious 
weed, 
