leaves are notched, with rounded notches, and spring from the roots on long stalks. 2. T. mínus (Lesser Meadow Rue).-This species is so much confined to stony fields on chalky and limestone soils, that it has by some botanists been termed T. calcareum. Its stem is zigzag, and branched, from 1 to 2 feet high; its leaves are thrice pinnate, the leaflets three-cleft, and they are covered with a sea-green powder. When the plant thrives well, the stem usually becomes hollow. The flowers have an unpleasant odour; they are lilac, and drooping, and so full of stamens that they seem like little tufts of gold threads; they appear in June and July, and the plant is perennial. Several varieties of this species occur, and these have by some botanists been regarded as distinct species. 3. T. flávum (Yellow Meadow Rue).-Stem erect, 3 or 4 feet high, and branched; leaves twice pinnate; flowers crowded, yellow, and not drooping. This species, which is found on the banks of rivers and ditches, is more generally known in England than either of the others. The Dutch term it Waterruit. It is rare in Scotland, being found chiefly in the Vale of Clyde. Its leaflets are broadly wedge-shaped, and three-cleft. Various handsome species of meadow rue are cultivated in the garden, but they have no old renown, and must not be confounded with the Common Rue (Ruta gravéolens), which was brought from the South of Europe, and is now in every cottage garden. This was an old favourite herb with the monks, and was never absent from the "physic garden" of the monastery. It was called Herb of Grace, because of its supposed virtues, and because mingled with the "holy water" used for sprinkling the congregation before and after service. Thus, Ophelia says,— "We call it Herb of grace o' Sundays." It is a plant of some power, and one of its kindred is said to blister the hands of him who gathers it without gloves. 3. ANEMONE (Wind-flower). 1. A. nemorósa (Wood Anemone).-Leaves ternate, leaflets lobed and cut; flower drooping; sepals or petals six; carpels without tails. The sunshine of spring has hardly dawned upon the leafless woods, before this flower is in blossom. Often as early as the middle of March, it gleams among the primroses, and soon it covers as with a white carpet many a secluded copse. Pliny said of the anemone, that it never blooms but when the wind blows; and our own species is no exception, for it grows on high mountainous places, and comes to the wood when winds are wildest. As Clare has said, these flowers "Dyed in winter's snow and rime, The anemone bears the name of Wind-flower in other lands than ours. It is L'herbe au vent of the French, but the form of its petals gives it the name in Italy of Fiore stella. Charlotte Smith has well described its starry appearance:— "He there Gathers the copse's pride, Anemones, With rays like golden studs on ivory laid, Fit crown for April's fair but changeful brow." Sometimes the colour of the wood anemone is of a most delicate crimson; and it was, perhaps, because of this faint flush on its white petals that the Egyptians made it the emblem of sickness. It is occasionally found tinted with a pale sky-blue colour. Usually, wherever we find this flower, it grows in great |