

THE SAGE-BRUSH. 351 
present. Readers at the East generally have an entirely 
incorrect idea of the shrub. If they think of it at all they 
are misled by its popular name, and consider it synonymous 
with, or nearly related to the common sage (Salvia) of the 
' gardens. The title, however, is not bestowed upon it on 
account of any actual relationship to that genus of the mint 
family (Labiate), but merely from its similarity of odor. 
. This is'evolved in consequence of any friction, such as re- 
sults from rubbing the leaves between the hands, or riding 
among the bushes. Indeed the plant emits its characteristic 
aroma even when undisturbed, but not in so exaggerated a 
degree. It is the scent of “wormwood,” which is the true 
English title of the so called wild sage. Its botanical name 
is Artemisia, bestowed in honor of Artemis or Diana. 
There are many species found upon the Great Plains and 
in the Interior Basin (filifolia, cana, tridentata, etc.). The 
Species tridentata is what I purpose to describe. The spe- 
cific name means simply “three-toothed,” and has reference 
to the dentated apex of the wedge-shaped leaves. 
The plant belongs not to the mints, suggestive of cooling 
beverages and savory sauces, but to the composites, or great 
order in which we find the dandelion, the asters, and the 
sunflowers. The inconspicuous blossoms are densely pani- 
cled. The leaves are not green, but silvery or ashy in 
color. They are borne on scraggy stems, rising, generally, 
from large and wide-spreading roots. These roots are spi- 
tally twisted, and unravel, as it were, like the strands of a 
Tope. They are much used for firewood in this barren sec- 
_ tion, where little other fuel presents itself. They make a 
Warm fire, but burn much too rapidly. As the supply, how- 
ever, is inexhaustible, this fault is of no great consequence. 
_ they are even used at times in mills and smelting works, 
Where it is impossible to obtain wood. 
— After careful inquiry I am led to the conclusion that no 
one has ever seen a young sage brush. Even the most confi- 
dent settler becomes involved in his account when persist- - 

