Wake Rosin FarM, Home, PENNSYLVANIA 
Snakeroot, Black; Black Cohosh; Bugbane (Cimicifuga racemosa). Spreading, slender 
growth, 2 to 4 feet tall. Flowers are thick on fuzzy, feathery, wand-like racemes, 
and are followed by purplish fruit berries. Latin and English genus names derive 
from the belief that the plant repels insects (cimex: bug; fugare: to chase) and is 
thus a bane to all little bugs. This leaves fertilization to the green flesh flies, fam- 
iliars of our boyhood days in the woods. Good for snake bite, the Indians used 
to say. Blossoms in July and August. Likes moist soil, not too wet; prefers shade 
but tolerates the sunshine of clearings. Increased by dividing the woody roots. 
25c each; $2.50 for 12. 
Snakeroot, White (Eupatorium urticefolium). Member of the large Eupatorium genus 
of the Composite Family, with deep green leaves in open branching effect, and bou- 
quets of downy, clear white flowers at top and ends of branches. Comes from 
rich woods and groves; fits well in a copse or shady nook in the yard. Height, 
1 to 3 feet. Blooms in late summer (August). Soft blossoms resemble the domestic 
or garden perennial Ageratum, whence the alternate name E. Ageratoides. Friend 
of its close relative, Boneset. Slender, well branched and poised. 25c ea-h; $2.50 for 12. 
Solomon’s Seal, False; Solomon’s Plume; False Spikenard (Smilacina racemosa). The 
fluffy white flower plume is pyramidal, terminating the zig-zag stem which grace- 
fully inclines, growing 12 to 18 inches long. The seal idea comes from the root 
scars from which previous stalks have died away. Intimate companion of the 
True Solomon’s Seal, roots often intermingled, which is natural to these cousins 
in the Lily Family. One of the most responsive plants to try, in sun or partial 
shade. Moist, stony, sloping ground preferred but not vital. Blooms in May: 
and June, followed by dark ruby red berries. 25c¢ each; $2.50 for 12. 
Solomon’s Seal; True Solomon’s Seal; Small Solo- 
mon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum). Little 
greenish yellow, bell-like flowers hang in a 
row of pairs under the arching stalk, a novel 
and happy arrangement. Blooms May into 
June. The stalk is from 1 to 2 feet long, car- 
rying into autumn a string of round steely blue 
berries, themselves quite conspicuous and even 
more compelling than the flowers. The popu- 
lar name relates to the row of scars on the TRUE SOLOMON’S SEAL 
zig-zag rootstalks, each scar marking the at- 
tachment of a previous year’s stalk, one year forming a zig, the next a zag. Yields: 
to cultivation, often with doubled flowers, in slightly moist or even dryish soil, in. 
thickets, under trees, or in the rockery. 25c each; $2.50 for 12. 

Spearmint (Mentha spicata). A well known, fragrant herb, with spicy, minty leaves. 
It has a flower, plumy and pale purple, which flourishes at the expense of the 
more important foliage. Moist ground, ditches and roadsides are its favorite haunts. 
Once started in the garden, it spreads rapidly. Cuttings can be dried for winter use. 
The fresh leaves are nice to nibble while reflecting upon important impractical 
things, and of course everybody likes mint sauce with mutton. 25c each; $2.50 for 12. 
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