72 



LOBELIA.— (Lobelia Sj^icata.) 



Stem simple, straight and slender, one or two feet in 

 height, most of the leaves situated at or near the botto ni 

 ovate or lance shaped. Flowers pale bine in a spiked ^ 

 raceme, corolla unequally five lobed, split down on the 

 upper side, stamens five united in a tube, blooms in 

 summer and fall. Situation dry banks and roadsides. 

 There are several others besides this species belonging 

 to the Lobelia family. 



TRAILING ARBUTUS. -(Epigaea.) 



This plant is sometimes called May Flower, but 

 mostly goes by the name above given. It is one of the 

 earliest blooming plants coming out almost before the 

 snow has melted away and greets us with its bright 

 happy face. It is a trailing plant, scarcely woody, 

 with evergreen heart shaped leaves. The corolla or 

 flower is salver shaped with a tube. It is a native of 

 the Northern States and is much prized for the rich 

 fragrance of its beautiful pink blossoms. Ground 

 Laurel is another name which has also been applied to 

 this plant. Scarcely any other spring flower is sought 

 with such eagerness as this one, principally because 

 it has such an elegant perfume. It may be found 

 about the middle of the Fourth month, on sunny banks 

 and sheltered positions, mostly in the woods. Petals 

 three to five and stamens likewise; it is a member of 

 the Heath sub-family. 



