108 
NATURE STUDY. 
Several varieties have been named and the end is not in sight. 
At least one form has been elevated to the rank of a species by 
some systematists. The fact is that the intermediate forms are 
so numerous and so common that it would seem preferable to 
consider the whole series as belonging to a single polymorphous 
species The forms found in this vicinity are chiefly those which 
have been named varieties “intermedium,” “obliquum,” and 
“dissectum Plants resembling the described varieties “ aus- 
trale ” and “ lunarioides are rare. In all these varieties ex¬ 
cept “ australe ” the leaves vary greatly in size, ranging from 
two to eight inches across. In “ dissectum ” the sterile seg¬ 
ment is cut into minute lace-like divisions so that when mount¬ 
ed on white paper the effect is as delicate and beautiful as tha 
of an alga similarly prepared. In “ obliquum ” the lobes are 
more or less pointed and in “ intermedium ” more or less round¬ 
ed. Occasional forms have the three primary divisions nearly 
entire. 
Not only is the sense of beauty gratified by the exquisite forms 
of the leaves ; the colors are also strikingly beautiful. Matur¬ 
ing late in the season the plants apparently try to compete with 
the deciduous trees and shrubs in variety and delicacy of tint, 
some being vivid green, others darker to very dark green, some 
of a rich maroon, others almost livid in hue. It is not uncommon 
to find the sterile leaf of the year before still attached to the 
stalk. The bud for the next season being enclosed in the base 
of the stalk is not visible from without, but a careful section 
will reveal it. 
There is not a more delightful pastime in those sunny days 
which a kind Providence sends just before winter sets in than 
a hunt for these pretty plants. The trees have shed their leaves, 
so that the sunshine pours freely down upon the brown and 
sodden carpet of the woods. The shrubs, too, are bare and no 
longer conceal the objects of our search. Sometimes we may 
look a long time before finding any. Sometimes we may come 
across them in abundance. The result depends pardy upon 
the season, partly upon our choice of ground and partly upon 
our powers of observation, to say nothing of that other important 
