PARTRIDGEBERRY 
Matchella repens Linnaeus 
Pattridgeberty grows in either dry or moist, partially shaded situa- 
tions, forming deep green mats which creep closely over the ground. 
The leaves continue green throughout the winter. The sweet-scented 
flowets are often hidden beneath dty leaves strewn over the soil. 
They temind us of the blossoms of trailing-arbutus, though they al- 
ways gtow in pairs and not in clusters, like the flowets of that plant. 
The twin fruits frequently remain on the plant until spring, as in the 
specimen sketched. Grouse and quail are very fond of the bright red 
berries, which to our taste are insipid. This plant belongs to the Mad- 
der Family. It is easily cultivated in acid soil. The genus Mitchella 
was named in honor of Dr. John Mitchell, one of the earliest bota- 
nists of eastern Virginia, and a correspondent of Linnaeus. 
Partridgeberry is found from Florida to Texas, and northward to 
Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Minnesota. It occurs also in the mountains 
of southern Mexico. 
Our specimen was collected near Beaufort, South Carolina. 
PLATE 207 
