WAKE ROBIN FARM 
leaves are dark green and the little flower cluster is 
a white, fuzzy ball. The root is faintly aromatic, and 
has been used as a substitute for the true Sarsapar- 
illa. The flowers form clusters of black-purple berries. 
Here it grows on a steep shale bank, in shade, ex- 
posed to coldest winds. 25c each; $2.50 for 12. 
Saxifrage, Early; Virginia Saxifrage (Saxifraga virgin- 
iensis). The very name, meaning “Rock-Breaker,” 
suggests the favored habitat, in rocky crevices, giving 
the illusion of having split the stones apart. Espec- 
ially suited to the rock garden. Saxifrage grows al- 
most anywhere, in full sunshine or light shade, in dry 
or rocky woodland, hugging banks and ledges. Small, 
clustered white flowers rise 3 to 6 inches above the 
tlattened rosette of basal leaves, which seem to cling 
to shaly steeps. Quite early, blooming mainly in April, 
seeding freely. 25c each; $2.50 for 12. 
Shinleaf (Pyrola elliptica). The “Shin-plaster” plant so 
named because of early English peasant use of its 
leaves on bruises (any plaster was a shin plaster), is 
a very fragrant, bell-like flower, nodding in a vertical 
cluster at the top of a stem 4 to 6 inches high, sug- 
gesting lilies of the valley. Leaves are dark, olive-green, 
elliptical, compared by the Romans with pear leaves, 
whence the name Pyrola. Likes the company of Pip- 
sissewa and Spotted Wintergreen, its Chimaphila 
cousins of the Heath Family, with very similar long 
roots extending in summer to form next year’s bud. 
25c each. 
Shooting Star; American Cowslip (Dodecatheon meadia). 
Like a miniature burst of fireworks, the rose-pink, dart- 
shaped blossoms point downward in a group at the 
top of a slender stalk, 8 to 15 inches high, thrusting 
up from low root foliage. Blooms in May and early 
June. Good for the hardy border, grows anywhere, 
but more beautiful when planted in conditions resemb- 
ling moist hillsides, cliffs and open woods. Can be 
propagated better and faster from root-cuttings than 
from seed. The Greek name means “twelve gods,” 
_and it is so striking that it has acquired nicknames 
like Indian Chief, Roosterhead, Johnny-Jump-Up and 
Pride-of-Ohio. 30c each. | 

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