HOME, PENNSYLVANIA 
into the central stamens. True to name, they are very 
sweetly scented. They belong to the small select 
Nymphea Family, nympha meaning “bride.” The black 
root, big and clubby, placed at the bottom of fish 
pond or sunken wash tub, is uncommonly vigorous and 
winter resistant, sending persistent stems to the surface 
when the ice melts in the spring. 35c each; $3.50 for 12. 
Wintergreen, Aromatic; Checkerberry; Teaberry; Box- 
berry; Mountain Tea (Gaultheria procumbens). Ever- 
green ground cover, spreading by creeping roots. Once 
established, the ground becomes matted with a wealth 
of fleshy, shiny, dark green leaves; of nodding little 
waxy white flowers in July and August; and later of 
deeply cherry-red berries. The berries are extremely 
aromatic, feed the hungry winter birds, and tend to 
cling through winter, releasing their seeds in spring 
for additional propagation. This compiler as a boy 
nibbled the leaves in open pastures, along railroad- 
embankments and such, knowing it only as Mountain 
Tea. 30c each; $3.00 for 12. 
Ferns 

Beech Fern, Broad (Phegopteris hexagonopetra). Strik- 
ing feaure is the breadth of the triangular frond, 4 to 
6 inches, especially attractive in quantity. New plant- 
ings develop the massed effect by extensive branching 
and creeping of the wiry roots, just beneath the sur- 
face. This fern likes deep shade, with dry, neutral soil. 
25c each; $2.50 for 12. 
Bracken (Pteridium latiusculum). The soft-green frond 
spreads, hand-like, at the top of a stout stalk, 1 to 3 
feet high. Grows luxuriantly, sending up the showy 
fronds all summer. Found in thickets, on hillsides, in 
moderately acid soil; also in sterile, sandy, dry soil, in 
shade or sunlight. Roots are deep and wide creeping, 
about the size of a pencil, with tough cord and brittle 
casing. The root starch appeals to swine, whence a 
popular name, “Hog Brake.” The plant has provided 
many human uses, too, such as thatch, stable bedding, 
and material for packing and basket weaving. Young 
fronds and roasted rootstalks have been eaten and the 
starch has been extracted. “Burning the Bracken” was 
an English custom to bring rain and drive witches away. 
35c each; $3.50 for 12. 
Brittle Fern (Cystopteris fragilis). A small but prolific 
fern, producing fronds all summer. Fronds are 4 to 12. 
inches long. It owes its name to the brittleness of its 
main stems. Rootstalk has many rootlets, which creep 
into crevices, delighting in a shaded rockery. Should 
be planted with the crown just even with the surface. 
It is satisfied with average summer rain, tends to shrivel 
in drouth, but recovers with new fronds when it gets 
another drink. Best soil condition is called circum- 
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