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were many shaded blue Asters ; some with willow¬ 
shaped leaves, and others with leaves that clasp 
quite round the stem. The little purple-white As¬ 
ter was also there, and large snowy ones with sharp 
pointed leaves. Others grew all together in a flat 
head, like a cluster of white stars in the milky way. 
By the side of a lake stood white Asters that grow 
on an umbelled flower-stalk ; and single purple ones 
with smooth shining leaves. 
The tall, dark purple Asters of New England, 
grew on long spikes by the road-side, and on the 
dry hills, with blue-flowered ones that contrasted 
oddly with their red and hairy stems. 
Many others, too numerous to mention, or even 
to have names, sprinkled the grass and the thickets. 
Their star-like forms attracted the eye in every di¬ 
rection, and the little cornel-leafed beauty said, that 
