212 THE OPEN BOOK OF NATURE 
In describing G. rivale on p. 85, “Johns” says: 
“The calyx is deeply tinged with a dull purplish 
hue with darker veins.”’ Well, our specimens do 
not answer to this description. In both the calyx 
is green and leaf-like ; but it is certainly ten-cleft, 
for there are five large leafy sepals and five small 
ones, all united at the base. And as to the petals, 
which in Geum ought to be five in number, there 
are actually eleven in each of our specimens. On 
p. 84 of “Johns” we find this note: “A variety 
(G. entermedium) is sometimes found which partakes 
of the characters of both the above species 
(G. urbanum and G. rivale). It is probably a 
natural hybrid between the two.” This helps us a 
little, and I am confident our specimens are G’. inter- 
medium, or the Intermediate Avens, but it is a pity 
“ Johns ” does not give a full description. Bear 
in mind, members of the genus Geum ought to have 
five petals, whereas our specimens have eleven. 
There can be no doubt about it; these flowers 
are “freaks” or “sports.” They have broken 
away from the habits of their kind—‘ kicked over 
the traces,” as it were—determined to be something 
different from their brethren. Probably they are 
tired of the old ways and desire a revolution. Why 
should they be bound by custom ? Our specimens 
are like a few men of genius who think new thoughts 
and establish new customs. One thing is certain, 
in point of beauty our “ freaks’ are much lovelier 
and larger than their orthodox relations. 
But we must not lay them aside yet. Let us 
examine the stamens through the hand-magnifier. 
Ah! now I begin to understand our revolutionary 
