742 About Weeds. | November, 
dock, and some of the larger weeds. Let us now look at the 
smaller flowers, like those of the dead-nettle (Lamium amplexi- 
caule),and any others of the mint family (Zadzatz). Some of the 
small Crucifere are also pretty, although they are weedy enough 
in appearance. The hedge-mustard (Sisymörinm) is the most pro- 
nounced weed that we know. 
The little Veronica which we often find on grass-plats, has a 
most bewitching flower, which from its minuteness most persons 
would fail to observe. The corolla is white, and veined with the 
most delicate pencilings of violet, all pointing towards the center 
of the flower, so that we here gain beauty and information simul- 
taneously. Its beauty is evident to any observer, but what does 
it teach? We have said that the colored veinlets all pointed to 
the center, and this, we believe, is true of all flowers where such 
markings occur, as shown'a long time ago by Sprengel, who 
claimed that they serve as guides to the insect seeking nectar. 
Recent observations have proved his theory to be probably cor- 
rect. 
There is no more desirable ground for the beginner, than the 
waste places and open lots about our cities. Here he will find 
any number of plants with which it is well to become familiar. 
` They can do no harm where they are, except by circulating their 
seed, and they are so little regarded by disdainful man that he 
can claim the whole collection as his own, and receive the muni- 
cipal thanks for appropriating them. Side by side with the na- 
tive and European weeds, we will sometimes find the prince's 
feather (Polygonum orientale), the Canary grass (Phalaris canari- 
ensis) and various other exotics. As the summer advances there 
will be a perfect tangle of weeds in such a place, evening prim- 
roses, Datura stromonium, Lychnis, melilots white and yellow, 
Canterbury-bells, amaranths, &c., some showy, others merely _ 
coarse and offensive. By the side of the streets we may find the 
homely cockle-bur (Xan¢hium) or the pretty moth mullen ( Verbas- 
cum blattaria), with a white or yellow corolla, and stamens clothed 
_ with violet hairs. The common mullen (Verbascum thapsus) we 
will be sure to find, and if in New England, will meet the au- 
-~ tumnal dandelion (Leontodon autumnale) which here blooms all 
summer. It is quite unlike the ordinary dandelion, and has 
bra ching green stems, smaller heads, and a tawny pappus. The 
onaceæe A the common smart-weed, the. knot-weed, 
