HEDGE STACHYS. 



Stachys sylvatica. Nat. Ord., Labiata. 



|"EW country journeys in search of 

 wild flowers will fail to supply 

 us with examples of the hedge 

 stachys, for it occurs abundantly 

 almost everywhere, though its 

 somewhat sombre blossoms do not 

 court attention. When carefully 

 examined, however, the motling 

 and variegation of colour seen in 

 them well repays investigation. 

 The hedge stachys should be looked 

 for in June, July, and August^ 

 and almost any shady hedge-bank 

 or copse-side will yield us examples 

 of it. It seems to prefer situa- 

 tions that are a little shaded from 

 the direct rays of the sun, the 

 shelter and the damp being both 

 favourable to it. The plant would possibly be a greater 

 favourite if it had not quite so strong an odour, for though 

 some persons do not dislike it, many object to it, and more 

 especially when the stem or leaves have got at all bruised. 

 This powerful smell, added to the rather dull colour of its 

 head of flowers, ordinarily banishes it from the rustic nose- 

 gay; and those who only gather the more attractive 



