Part 48

This shrub is between 1 and 2 feet in height; it is woody-fibred, hard and firm, with a thin, close bark. The branches are curious in growth, being formed of short sections that are two-edged and somewhat flat; these sections are placed alternately and at right angles to each other. The color is a dark rich brown.

The leaf is oblong, with a blunt tip, and a noticeably rolled-under edge; the surface is glossy above, and the texture is tough. It is evergreen, dark above and whitey-green underneath, the midrib being yellowish. The leaves grow in pairs, upon very short stems that spring from the section-joints, at right angles to each other.

The flower is small, similar to the Mountain Laurel; of a clear light crimson color, with dark-tipped stamens. The blossoms are set on dull crimson-red stems, and arranged in terminal groups.

This is rather rare, and not easy to become acquainted with owing to its preference for swamp holes. The tiny seed-pods on their thread stems are very pretty.

*Sheep’s Laurel.* Kalmia angustifolia.

Found on upland slopes and hilly pastures, in June.

This branching, very leafy, bush is 18 inches to 2 or 3 feet in height, with a woody fibre, and tough bark. The new shoots are green, the older growths turning to reddish-brown.

The leaf is a long oval, with a rolled-under edge; not large, but otherwise like that of the Mountain Laurel. It is evergreen, the old growths dark and dull, with rusty spots of weather-wear; the fresh leaves are bright green, the midrib being yellow, with a hint of pink underneath. The leaves are set on short stems, and placed in little groups near together.

The blossom is smaller and more shallow than the Mountain Laurel; it is in color a strong dark pink, with the star design outlined in dark crimson. The 10 stamens are shining, and pale pink, with crimson tips; the curved pistil is light pink. The flowers, on tiny foot-stems, are arranged in loose clusters, of a dozen or more, upon a short stem; these clusters are placed in a whorl about the stalk, at the summit of last year’s growth, and beneath the over-topping new shoot.

The old leaves bend downward, while the new stretch themselves upward, holding their tips nearly erect.

*Shinleaf.* Pyrola elliptica.

Found in the woods in June.

The little underground stalk throws up a few leaves, and a flower stem which reaches 6 or 8 inches in height.

The leaf is round, or oval, showing the midrib and veins, with an entire margin whose edge curls under, and a tough leathery fibre. It is evergreen, dark and strong in color, the ribs and veins being whitish. It is set on a short, margined, reddish stem, which is protected at the ground by an enfolding dark sheath.

The 5 petals of the flower form a cup; they are thin and waxen in texture, and are pale greenish-white; the 10 yellow-tipped white stamens huddle all together in the upper part of the cup; the long curved pistil is down-bent; the calyx is 5-parted, flat, and green. Several flowers on short, down-turned, green-reddish stems, are placed together upon a slender, erect, green stem which rises from the ground; it is tinted reddish at its base, and midway its length bears one small red-green bract.

There is a smack of individuality about this plant; it presents an appearance of being self-sufficing, and exclusive, though growing in more or less numerous companionship with its kindred.

*Small Pyrola.* Pyrola secunda.

Found in woodlands during June and July.

The 3- to 6-inch-long flower-stem springs, along with several leaves, from the top of an underground, somewhat square, stalk.

The leaf is oval, with a somewhat pointed tip, a midrib that is strong and prominent above as well as beneath, and a finely scalloped margin; its texture is thin and firm, and its surface glossy; it is evergreen. Set on slender trough-like short stems, the leaves form a small group. In color a fine, clear green.

The flower is small; the 5 obtuse-pointed, greenish-white petals curve in the shape of a bell, the slightly curving, green pistil protruding; the 5-parted calyx is very small and greenish. The flowers, on their little foot-stems, are set along the stem in a nodding row, whose weight, apparently, pulls the erect stem to one side. A few tiny leafkins occur on this stem.

When the flowers fall, the little 5-scalloped seed-pods with the long pistils remain long in their places. The buds do not open in regular sequence, as is usual among blossoms similarly arranged.

*One-flowered Pyrola.* Moneses grandiflora.

Found usually in pine woods, by shaded brooks, in June.

The small, round, and pale stalk runs along the earth just under its surface, and terminates in a rosette of a few leaves, loosely lying upon the ground, and a flower stem from 2 to 4 inches high.

The round leaf is very smooth underneath, while the ribs and veins we prominent above; the margin is finely notched, and the texture is thin. In color a rich, cool green.

The 5-pointed petals of the flower are a shallow shell-shape; their margins curl under somewhat, their texture is thin and waxen, and their surface is smooth to the touch; color, white, inclined to ivory. The 10 white stamens have curious 2-horned, dull-yellow tips,--they lie back, with a quick curve, in the hollows of the petals; the bright green pistil bends, or curves downward; the flat 5-parted calyx is very small. The single flower is set on the crook-like tip of the pale-green flower-stem, which bears one or two tiny pale bracts.

This boldly curved crook of the flower-stem is completely straightened when the petals fall,--the seed-box is held upright. Like most of its tribe this is a gregarious little plant, and grows in plantations.