288 THE CANADIAN XATURALIST. 
changes ; it is abundant in our grass fields^ and is of course 
stored with the hay^ but when fed out'' to the stock in 
winter^ the blossoms of this Gnaphaliuni have precisely the 
same appearance as when they are growing in the field. 
Cattle reject this as well as many other weeds, occurring in 
our rubbishy hay. 
C. — The Mallow ( Malva S^/hestris J is now in flower^, 
with its pretty blue blossoms ; there is a plant growing 
vigorously near our house, the only one I have seen. The 
round flat seeds we used to call, when children^ cheese-cakes. 
F» — - These are not the seeds, but a compound fruity 
called a cmxerule^ containing the seeds. The fruit of the Wild 
Black Cherry ( Prunus Virginiana J is now ripe^ as well as 
that of the Red f Prunus Bo7'ealisJ, They are about the 
size of currants ; the latter are pleasantly sour^ of a bright 
crimson ; this variety is indigenous to Newfoundland : the 
former are rather larger^ less acid, but have a bitterness of 
flavour that is not pleasing ; no doubt both might be greatly 
improved by cultivation. Wild fruits^ which are naturally 
sour^ are more susceptible of amelioration than others ; as the 
tendency of culture, light, heat^, manure^ &c. is to increase 
their sweetness ; but fruits naturally sweety become insipid. 
C. — What is this tall plants with deeply notched 
leaves ? 
p, — It is a species of Groundsel^, called Fireweed, or 
Crenate Milkweed f Senecio Hieracifolius ) : the leaves are 
runcinate^ the segments pointing backwards ; the flowers^ 
which are just blossoming, are small and plain, resembling 
those of common groundsel. A thick milky juice exudes 
from the leaves and stem when broken^ which speedily ac- 
quires consistence, and becomes a highly elastic substance^ 
resembling Indian rubber. It springs up abundantly in 
rank luxuriance on newly cleared land^ after it has been run 
over by fire, whence it has obtained the name of Fireweed. 
