THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



53 



found in the Egyptian deserts. When full grown it contracts 

 its branches into a ball and, when dry, is easily carried by the 

 wind. When it is placed in a saucer of w^ater the branches relax 

 and spread o^ut. One of the superstitious tales told of it is that' 

 ''it first bloomed on Christmas Eve, to salute the birth of the 

 Redeemer, and paid homage to his resurrection by remaining 

 expanded until Easter." It is easily grown from seed but will 



To all appearances dead and valueless. 



not endure the severity of northern winters. It must be taken 

 up, kept dry, and used when wanted. It will be noticed that 

 this plant and the SclagincUa differ from the Devil's tongxie in 

 that w^ater must be supplied to induce growth. 



Did you ever try hanging a few leaves of the sprouting 

 leaf on a curtain, or placing them in a saucer? Before many 

 days little plants will appear at each notch in the leaf. No 

 water is necessary. The leaves of this plant {BryophyUum 



