1878.] 2 About Weeds. 741 
(Onopordon)! How prodigal is it of its material, as it throws out 
its silvery leaves and royal tufts of crimson. Those old Caledo- 
nian kings were fellows of good taste when they chose this noble 
_ plant as the floral symbol of a nation. Armed at every point it 
=. 
stands, like some sturdy Highlander, to repel aggressors. 
The corn-cockle (Lychnis githago) and the cone-flower (Rud- 
beċkia hirta) are both beautiful, as well as the flea-banes (Zrigeron), 
daisies (Leucanthemum) and St. John’s worts (Hypericum). Their 
only fault, and that is sufficient to condemn them, is that they 
will grow where nobody wants them. Our waste places would 
be deserts, indeed, did not nature kindly interpose to clothe them 
with these humble plants. Many species are unmistakably 
homely, yet even in the least showy there is much of beauty 
when the microscope is summoned to our aid. Flowers which 
seem too insignificant to be considered for a moment, will be 
seen when thus magnified to equal any of their prouder kindred, 
and to be as strangely and as wisely fashioned. 
A weed which is troublesome in one place where the condi- 
tions are proper for its rapid extension, need not be so in another 
where those conditions are not fulfilled. Consequently we find 
that very different things are called weeds in the different por- 
tions of the Union, while some, like the shepherd’s purse ( Capsella 
bursa-pastoris) or the purslane (Portulaca oleracea), are of universal 
distribution. A plant may have flourished and multiplied in one 
locality, when if removed to another it will become restricted, and 
while useless, will no longer be regarded as a weed. The ox-eye 
daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) comes to us from Europe, and 
although very beautiful to look at, is a great nuisance to the far- 
mer: hay-fields in June are often made white with the showy 
heads of this troublesome plant. On the other hand, some of 
+ our weeds, like Amacharis, have invaded Europe, and some 
English weeds are Pe gon supplanting the native flora of Austra- 
lia and New Zea 
Weeds are BEE interesting according as they are viewed. 
If we keep a garden we will find the purslane an undeniable. 
nuisance, and a vigorous enemy. If, on the other hand, we are > 
indifferent to its invasions, and approach it as a friend, we will 
find it, together with most other weeds, p of beauties of : : : 
which we had no conception. 
We have eon spoken of the E of the P the es S 
4 
