COMPOSITE. 123 



but far more probably the seeds have been brought with other 

 seeds, or in hay or straw. In Europe it is the same vexatious 

 plant as in this country. It is propagated by its roots as well as 

 by seeds. The roots extend many feet in depth, as well as far in 

 a horizontal direction, and send out many runners. The only 

 effectual eradication of the plant is cutting it down annually before 

 it blossoms, till the vital energy of the roots is exhausted. Its 

 course southwards is sure, and nothing but climate will arrest its 

 progress over the land. Its numerous seeds afford food to many 

 smaller birds and animals. 



C. pectinatus. W. Comb-Thistle. With purple flowers, 

 and comb-like pinnatifid leaves, without prickles, rarely cultivated 

 in gardens. 



Onopordum. L. 17. 1. 



O. acanthium. L. Cotton Thistle. As its leaves resemble 

 those of Acanthus, its specific name was derived from it ; a 

 native of Britain, not very extensively spread over this State ; 

 stem 4-6 feet high, with broad, long, spinous leaves, sessile, 

 running down the stem and forming wings to it, and being covered 

 with a matted, cottony substance, giving a hoary appearance to the 

 plant ; seeds large, and not blown about by the seed-down ; at 

 Pittsfield and Lanesborough, in Berkshire County, as well as in 

 the eastern part of the State. If it were not so rough, it would 

 be a noble plant, as it is a curious one. 



Carthamus. L. 17. 1. Common Saffron. 



From the Arabic, to paint, on account of its coloring matter. 



C. tinctorius. L. The common Saffron of the gardens, 

 used by the Chinese for beautiful colors of their silks, and in parts 

 of Europe for coloring soups and puddings, cakes and bread ; its 

 flowers medicinal also ; native of Egypt. 



C. cceruleus. L. Blue Saffron. Is sometimes cultivated. 



EUPATORIUM. L. 17. 1. 



An extensive genus, of near 80 species, chiefly found in 



