THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



45 



length. There is a four-lobed ovary which forms in fruiting 

 four little nutlets surrounding the base of the single style. The 

 calyx is usually tubular or bell-shaped and the upper lip of the 

 corolla is two-lobed or entire, the lower lip three-lobed. The 

 flowers themselves are clustered in the axils of the leaves or in 

 terminal spikes or racemes. The foliage is dotted with minute 

 glands containing a volatile oil which gives the characteristic 

 warmth and aroma to the well known family. 



While many of the species are natives of the United States, 

 those best known, namely, spearmint (Mentha viridis). pepper- 

 mint {M. Piperita), catnip (Nepeta cataria), and sage ( Salvia 

 officinalis) are naturalized from Europe, having been chosen 

 for their virtues to accompany the Pilgrim Fathers (or more 

 likely Pilgrim Mothers) across the sea. But the beautiful 

 Oswego tea {Monarda didyrna) with its showy heads of soft 

 yet brig'ht red flowers and strongly aromatic leaves is a native 

 of our own meadows and many others less showy but not less 

 interesting may be found in our woods and fields. I once found 

 a single plant of balm (Melissa officinalis) wdiich Gray says is 

 naturalized from Europe ''and sparingly escaped from gar- 

 dens." It was at a distance from any dwelling and the plant 

 was unknow^n in all that vicinity. It must have made its escape 

 early and covered its tracks well. 



Other members of this family are the water hoarhound 

 (Lycopiis sinuatiis) , Horsebalm {Collinsonia Canadensis) , 

 pennyroyal (Hedeonia pulegioides) , and the skull cap (Sctifel- 

 laria), the latter wnth violet-blue flowers growing in terminal 

 racemes and easily identified by the curious little helmet-shaped 

 appendage on the back of the calyx. AMiile these are but a few 

 of the many members of this family they are all easily identified 

 and will serve to fix the family characteristics in the mind of 

 the novice. 



