67 
does not exceed 6 inches in height, and is consequently unmistakable. 
The White Water Bedstraw (Page 39) has four to six leaves in a 
whorl. It is common in water-courses, v/hile the Goose Grass 
(Page 41) may be seen in every hedge. Most children know how the 
hispid stems and leaves cling to the clothes of the unsuspecting 
passer-by. Other species of Bedstraws will be illustrated in future 
volumes. 
With careful attention to the leaves and colours of the flowers, 
there should be no difficulty whatever in recognising the Valerian 
(Page 42), Yarrow (Page 43), Mayweed (Page 44), Ox-Eye (Page 
45), and Cat’s-Ear (page 47). 
The photograph of the Common Ragwort (Page 46) is not so 
distinctive as is negessary to show the difference between that plant 
and the Marsh Ragwort {Senecio Aquaticus)^ and might serve 
equally well for the latter. The Common Ragwort may be found 
everywhere, the Marsh Ragwort only in places beside water. The 
two plants may easily be found growing near one another, and the 
decided differences are evident on corriparison and quite unmistakable. 
The flower-heads of the common variety are much denser, the petals 
narrower and the leaves much more indented. 
I cannot pass the Marsh-Trefoil (Page 49) — though it cannot be 
mistaken for any other plant — without a word. This is one of 
the most beautiful of our native flowers, and a mass of its white 
blossoms in a pond or marsh is a sight to be remembered. 
How many of us know the proper name of the familiar Ribwort 
Plantain (Page ,50), or of the Seaside Plantain (Page 51)? 
The gorgeous colouring of the Yellow Toadflax (Page 52^. and 
the peculiar appearance of the Knotted Figwort (Page 53), are 
sufficient for their identification. 
The tall Foxglove (Page S4), the diminutive heliotrope-coloured 
Wild Thyme (Page 55), which is so common everywhere, as is 
the little Self-Heal (Page 56), present no difficulty,, nor do the 
Skull-Cap (Page 57), the White Deadnettle (Page 58), the Bugle 
(Page ^59), the appearance of each being quite characteristic. 
The long slender pedicels of the Wood Loosestrife (Page 48) 
are sufficient to distinguish this plant. 
There are several kinds of Orchis, which have a strong superficial 
resemblance to one another. Special study of text-books is necessary 
to distinguish them with absolute certainty. The Marsh Orchis 
(Page 60) is only found in marshy places, and is usually richer in 
colour than the Early Purple Orchis and Spotted Palmate 
Orchis, which are also very common plants. 
The illustrations leave no doubt of the identity of the Yellow Iris 
(Page 61). Blue Bell (Page 63), Garlic (Page *'62), and Bog 
Asphodel (Page 64). The strong'odour of the Garlic alone would 
suffice to determine it at least. 
