7 $ 
DON'T PLUCK IT 
has been driven out into the wilderness. One of the 
earliest debutantes of spring, the Trailing Arbutus, is 
disappearing. Its early arrival, its rich perfume, and 
seductive habit of nestling and hiding among last 
year's leaves give it an irresistible charm. The 
trailing stem has but a weak hold on the ground, and 
as it is extremely tough it is often carelessly torn up. 
All who must pluck the flower should be careful to cut 
off as little of the stem as can satisfy them, and not 
tear up the tender roots. 
The Hepatica, with its succeeding generations of 
flowers and leaves, is surviving the hands of the 
spoilers. The Blood-root dies so soon that it is 
frequently overlooked, and the Spring Beauty withers 
so helplessly in protest that there is but little tempta- 
tion to pluck its spray of delicate pink. A weary 
stroller with a bunch of wilted Trilliums is a lament- 
able spectacle. The drooping of their white or 
painted petals is a silent appeal that should be heeded. 
Leave them where they grow. The Harebell, with 
its frail and delicate cups of blue, seems able to defy 
the encroaching grass and to flower through the 
whole summer ; but it should not be forced to fight 
the encroachment of man as well. Many of our wild 
Orchids are blessed with a fatal beauty. The Showy 
Orchis is growing rare, and the Fringed Orchis still 
rarer. The Northern Calypso, with a delicacy of form 
and tint that always eludes the artist, is, indeed, a 
