38 
THE BLOOD-ROOT 
the white petals that botanists call sepals, almost 
before it can be brought from its natural elements 
into the harsh sunshine of the open roads. When 
unmolested it may have two or three days of life, or 
an adverse wind may scatter its white rays among 
the fallen leaves in a few hours. It is tolerant of 
transplanting, and when taken from its natural sur- 
roundings will live its allotted time in a shady 
garden. Under favourable conditions it will reappear 
with each returning spring as regularly as the yellow 
warblers that hurry invisibly among the opening 
leaves on the Elms and Chestnuts. If the thick, rough 
rootstock is wounded it bleeds freely, and the bright 
red juice which gives the flower its name makes a 
lasting stain. The Indians used it to heighten their 
colour, and after the influences of civilisation brought 
quieter tastes in personal adornment it was used in 
decorating baskets and ornaments of straw, Birch 
bark, and peeled Ash. Most of the original inhabi- 
tants have now degenerated to the use of aniline 
dyes, but the bright stain of the Blood-root is still 
admired. After the flowers fall the leaves grow large 
and strong, but never coarse, and the pods fill with 
rich, brown, glossy seeds. The more showy flowers 
of early summer are then abroad, but none can surpass 
the charm of the timid, inquiring Blood-root that 
rises carefully robed and folds back its mantle to come 
forth daintily into the dawn of the year. 
