Notes on some of the plants of Lower Canada

 

By William Sheppard

 

[Originally published by the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec in Transactions, Original Series, Volume 3 (1837)]

 

READ FEBRUARY 2, AND MARCH 30, 1830.

 

Order — ULMACEAE.

 

GENUS ― ULMUS L.

 

Ulmus Americana. L. White or Rock Elm. Orme blanc.

 

"Branches smooth; leaves oblique at the base, serratures accuminate, a little hooked; flowers pedicelled; fruit fringed with thick down."

 

The Common or White Elm is a stately tree, growing most frequently in rich alluvial valleys and on the margins of rivers, attaining in such situations great bulk and height, and assuming a very elegant appearance; its long slender branches hanging down in the manner of the weeping willow, gracefully disposed into ostrich feather-like shapes: it is generally admitted to stand at the head of all our trees, as the most ornamental and picturesque, and as such, deserving to be more generally preserved and cultivated in kept grounds and park scenery. The timber of this tree, when growing in rich bottoms, is not esteemed, except for purposes requiring it to be continually under water; in such situations it is remarkably durable. The wood is of a light brown colour, with an open grain resembling that of ash, and in the cross section at the butt generally shews a dark coloured ring of five or six inches in diameter. It is known in market by the name of Swamp Elm. But the timber of upland elm is of a different and of a very superior quality, being hard, white, and close grained. This is much used here for different purposes of ship-building, particularly for keel pieces and lower plank; large quantities are also yearly exported to Great Britain, where it is in request, principally for piles to drive into deep water, for wharves, piers and bridges; it is well adapted to such purposes, being straight, in long lengths, equally stout throughout, and very durable under water. In the forest, the elm is known frequently to rise with a single straight stem to a height of sixty feet, before shewing a branch. The timber of this variety, (if indeed it be not a distinct species) is known by the name of Rock Elm.

 

Ulmus fulva, Mich. Slippery Elm. Orme gras.

 

"Branches, scabrous whitish; leaves ovate oblong acuminate, nearly equal at base, unequally serrate, pubescent both sides, very rough; buds tomentose, with very thick yellow wool; flowers sessile."

 

This is also a tall handsome tree, growing both in dry situations and in alluvial soils. The timber is reddish in colour, and of a quality even superior to that of the white elm, but is less commonly brought to market. The inner bark is sometimes made into ropes .for domestic purposes, like the bark of basswood; it also has mucilaginous qualities, being sometimes used for cataplasms for the healing of wounds and sores. This tree is thinly scattered throughout the country, having observed it on the Ottawa, about Lake St. Peter and other parts.

 

In the Notes on Canadian Plants, in the second volume of the Transactions, the genus Celtis, or Nettle tree, was noticed among the Carylideæ of S. F. Gray. It is now placed by Lindley in the order of Ulmaceæ; following the elms, therefore, would be its proper place, according to the most recent arrangement.

 

URTICEÆ

 

HUMULUS. L.

 

Humulus Lupidus. L. Hop. Houblon.

 

The hop is a well known herbaceous perennial plant, twining round whatever may be near it, and attaining a height of twelve feet or more. The seed-vessels are narcotic, and contain a strengthening bitter principle; on account of the latter quality they enter largely into the composition of beer. The young shoots in May are sometimes brought to table like asparagus. This plant prefers alluvial soils, and the moist borders of lakes and streams; it has been observed at Lake Pitt, near Craig's Road.

 

TRTICA. L.

 

Urtica Canadensis. L. Canadian Nettle. Ortie.

 

"Leaves alternate, heart-ovate, acuminate, serrate, hispid both sides; panicle axillary, mostly in pairs, spread branched; the lower staminate ones longer than the petioles, upper pistillate ones elongated; stem covered with stings."

 

The Canadian nettle grows to a height of from four to nine feet, generally in alluvial soils, and on the shores of rivers subject to inundation. The public attention was much excited some years ago, respecting the textile qualities of a variety of this plant; or, according to Dr. Muhlenburg, of a distinct species, which he named Urtica whitlowi. The stalks of this nettle are susceptible of being divided like flax into a fine fibre, possessing much strength. If the plant admit of cultivation, it may hereafter become of some consequence. Grows at the outlet of the Etchemin, and abundantly on the low shores of Lake St. Peter.

 

Urtica Pumila. W. Stingless Nettle.

 

"Leaves opposite, ovate, acuminate, three nerved, serrate; lower petioles as long as the leaves; flowers monoecious, triandrous; in corymbed heads, shorter than the petioles."

 

An annual plant. The stem is smooth and shining, and when much shaded is pellucid. This plant varies much in size. Grows in shady woods, on the borders of the Ottawa.

 

Urtica Dioica. L. Common Nettle.

 

"Leaves opposite, cordate, laneeovate, coarsely serrate; flowers diœcious; spikes panicled, glomerate in pairs, longer than the petioles."

 

A stinging perennial plant about two feet high, common to Europe as well as this continent. It is of no interest here. Grows usually in dry spots by road sides; found it in such situation at Château Richer.

 

Urtica Procera. W.

 

"Leaves opposite, cordate, laneeovate, serrate; petioles eiliate; flowers dioecious; spikes somewhat branched, glomerate in pairs, equalling the petiole."

 

This is also a perennial, and resembles the preceding one in its young state. Collected at Anticosti by Pursh.

 

Urtica Divaricata. W.

 

"Leaves alternate, ovate, acuminate, smoothish, petioles long ciliated; panicles axillary, solitary, widely and much branched, longer than the petioles; stem stinging."

 

A perennial plant, somewhat resembling the canadensis. grows in shady woods.

 

CANABIS. L.

 

Canabis Sativa. L. Hemp. Chanvre.

 

This well known annual plant, native of the old continent, has become completely naturalized in this. I will make no trite observations on the importance of this very useful plant to the empire; but it may not be improper to remark in this place, that nearly all the plants composing this natural order, possess textile qualities in greater or less degree.

 

MORUS. L.

 

Morus Rubra. L. Red Mulberry. Mûrier Rouge.

 

"Leaves cordate, ovate, acuminate, or three lobed, equally serrated, scabrous, soft hairs beneath; pistillate spikes cylindric."

 

A large and handsome tree, native of Upper Canada. The timber is said to be useful and durable; the fruit eatable. Dr. Lyons informs me that the Upper Canada, silkworms have been successfully fed with the leaves of this species of mulberry; the alba and nigra being preferred for that purpose in Europe and Asia. I have been told of the mulberry having formerly been cultivated at Montreal by the Franciscans; probably this species.

 

ELÆAGNEÆ.

 

SHEPHERDTA. NUTT.

 

Sherpherdia Canadensis. Nutt. Sea Buckthorn. Argousier.

 

"Leaves ovate, acutish, a little glibrous above, silver haired and brilliant beneath; scales scattered, ferruginous."

 

A spreading deciduous shrub, six or eight feet high, and of an uncommon appearance. The flowers are small and expand before the leaves ; berries red and small ; leaves light green, sprinkled beneath with brown spots; grows on the rocky shores and banks of the St. Lawrence, from Quebec downwards.

 

ELÆAGNUS. L.

 

Elœagnus? Argentea. Nutt Silver Oleaster.

 

"Unarmed; leaves oblong-ovate, sharp both ends, silver scaly; flowers nearly solitary nodding."

 

A spreading shrub about three or four feet high, of very unusual appearance. The leaves are of a shining silvery white both sides; the upper surface rather darker; the under side having a few scattered thin small brown scales; and the young branches covered with them. In New Holland the trees and shrubs are generally of this silvery hue, whereas here, this is the only woody plant hitherto found of that beautiful tint. I have not yet been so successful as to find the fruit of this plant, so as to be able to place it with certainty in this genus; it possibly may be a species of Hippophae, or of the preceding genus. Found several years ago, in one solitary spot, on the rocky shore of the Island of Orleans.

 

THYMELÆX.

 

DIRCA. L.

 

Dirca Palustris. L. Leatherwood. Moosewood. Bois de pelon.

 

A deciduous shrub of four or five feet in height, with light gray bark; and leaves oval, entire, alternate, on long footstalks. Flowers yellow, appearing early in May before the leaves expand; fruit a small yellow berry. The whole plant is remarkably pliable, and the bark so strong and flexible as to be frequently used for ligatures, and for straps to carry burdens; it is easily stripped off the plant its whole length when required for use; whence probably the name of Bois de pelon, usually pronounced Eois de plomb. It is said that a decoction of this bark has been used with success in intermittent fevers. Grows in moist hardwood lands throughout the Province, and its presence is admitted to be an indication of a rich deep soil. Found near the Falls of the Chaudière.

 

OLEINÆ

 

FRAXINUS. L.

 

Fraxinus acuminata. Lam. White Ash. Frêne blanc.

 

"Leaflets petioled, oblong, shining, acuminate, very entire, glaucus beneath; flowers ealycled."

 

A tall upright tree, with compact head; stem straight and covered with light grey bark, divided by deep furrows into small prominent squares. The timber is whitish, straight grained but rather porous, yet strong and elastic, rendering it very fit for boat oars, and for the purposes of the carriage-maker; it is the most valuable kind of ash that we possess. Large quantities of this timber, in square logs, are annually brought to this market, and shipped to Britain and Ireland. The inner bark is possessed of astringent properties. Grows on the banks of rivers, and other situations throughout the country.

 

Fraxinus juglandifolia. W. Swamp Ash.

 

"Leaflets petioled, ovate, serrate, glaueus beneath, axils of the leaves pubescent; branchlets glaucus; flowers calycled."

 

This species of ash attains as great a height as the preceding one; but the timber is not held in any estimation, not being applied to any useful purpose, except for hoops in the young state; the ashes, however, are rich in alkali. Common in swamps and places liable to inundation.

 

Fraxinus pubescens. W. Red Ash.

 

"Leaflets petioled, oval-ovate, serrate; petioles and branehlets downy beneath; flowers calycled."

 

A tree of smaller growth than the preceding ones. The timber is of a reddish colour and of good quality, not inferior to the White Ash. Grows in similar situations with it.

 

Fraxinus sambucifolia W. Black Ash.

 

"Leaflets sessile, lance-ovate, serrate, rugose shining, round-oblique at the base; axils of the veins villose beneath; flowers not calycled."

 

A large tree generally found growing in swampy and inundated lands. The timber is not much used, except for hoops and for basket-making; the annual layers of wood being susceptible of separation, our Indian women avail themselves of this property to construct baskets of all sizes for sale; a profitable source of industry to them. The ashes of this species also abound in alkali; the wood is in consequence sought for by the pot ash manufacturer for burning and lixiviating its ashes.

 

ERICEÆ

 

All the Canadian plants of this natural order are small, but very pretty and ornamental shrubs; the greater part of them evergreens.

 

ANDROMEDA. L.

 

Andromeda polyfolia. W. Marsh Andromeda. Wild Rosemary.

 

"Leaves linear lanceolate, convex, revolute, grey and hoary beneath, glaucus above; flowers aggregate, terminal; carol subglobose; anthers bearded towards the tip."

 

A small evergreen shrub, six inches to a foot in height, with narrow stiff leaves of a bluish colour; flowers small, globular, in clusters at the ends of the branches, white tinged with red; very pretty. This is an ornamental little shrub, of easy culture in a peat earth border. Grows in sphagnous swamps, at Sillery and other parts.

 

Andromeda calyculata. L. Box leaved Andromeda.

 

"Leaves lance-oblong, serrulate, subrevolute, with scaly dots, rust coloured beneath; racemes terminal, leafy, turned one way; pedicels short, solitary, axillary; calyx acute, two bracted at the base, bracts broad ovate, acuminate; cord oblong cylindrical."

 

An evergreen shrub about two feet high, with small leathery leaves. Flowers white, hanging in a row at the ends of the young branches. This is also an ornamental plant, deserving a place in the shrubbery. It grows in company of the preceding one, and much more abundantly.

Andromeda hypnoides. W. and tetragona. W. are supposed to be natives of Canada; the former having been found by Mr. Blair in the high mountains of the adjoining State of Vermont; and the other by Colmaster in Labrador.

 

ARBUTUS. L.

 

Arbutus uva ursi. L. Bearberry. Saccacommi.

 

"Stem procumbent; leaves wedge obovate, entire; berry five sided."

 

A trailing evergreen shrub, spreading close to the ground. Berries small red; leaves resembling those of the box plant. These are frequently used to smoke in lieu of tobacco, by the traders' engagés in the fur countries, in the occurrence of a scarcity of that (to them) almost necessary article of life. This plant has the reputation of possessing some medicinal qualities. Grows on the sides of dry hills, forming large patches of a beautiful close green carpet; localities at Spencerwood, and about a mile beyond, on the steep bank of the St. Lawrence.

 

PYROLA. L.

 

Pyrola rotundifolia. L. Round leaved Pyrola.

 

"Leaves round, or round obovate. serrulate; spike, with the flowers reversed; pistil declined; stigma declined, with five tubercles."

 

A low evergreen plant, scarcely shrubby, with thick leathery leaves, one and a half to two inches in diameter; and bearing an upright spike of handsome, pink, odorous flowers. Grows very abundantly in the dry pine woods about Quebec and elsewhere.

 

Pyrola elliptica. Nutt. Oval leaved Pyrola.

 

"Leaves membranaceous, elliptical ovate, serrulate, rather acute, lamina rather longer than the petiole."

 

This plant closely resembles the preceding one in habit; but may he easily distinguished from it by the comparative thinness of texture, and the uneven surface of the leaves. Flowers in a similar spike, white with a greenish tinge, sweet scented. Plentiful about Quebec in similar situations.

 

Pyrola asarifolia. Mich. Kidney leaved Pyrola.

 

"Leaves subreniform, generally emarginate, coriaceous; lamina shorter than the petiole; scape mostly convolute, many flowered; calyx appressed; stamens slightly ascending; style déclina te, clavate."

 

This species also very much resembles the rotundifolia. The leaves are of the same consistency, dark green, and wider than long; the flowers are whitish and sweet scented. Abundant about Quebec along with the others.

 

Pyrola minor. L. Lesser Pyrola.

"Leaves roundish-oval, serrulate; scape naked; style short, straight, as long as the erect stamens; stigma peltate."

 

A smaller plant than any of the preceding species, bearing a scape of white flowers, tinged with red, and regularly disposed around the scape. Leaves leathery. Grows about Quebec in dry grounds.

 

Pyrola secunda. L. One sided Pyrola.

 

"Leaves oval, or ovate, acute, serrate; raceme one side; style straight; stigma pellate gibbous."

 

A diminutive evergreen plant, resembling the minor; procumbent at base; leaves thin, smooth, shining, uneven on the surface; scape angular, six inches high; flowers numerous, greenish white, all on one side of the scape. This also grows about Quebec, on dry ground, and on the banks of the St. Lawrence.

 

Pyrola uniflora. L. Single flowered Pyrola.

 

"Leaves round serrate; scape one flowered; style straight."

 

A pretty little plant, with flat smooth leaves near the ground; scape three or four inches high, bearing one white, nodding, fragrant flower. Grows in swamps, but is very scarce in the western parts of the Province; found at Cape Tourment, at the foot of the mountain; and abundantly by Dr. Kelly, R.N. on the shores of the Gulf.

 

The rotundifolia, minor, secunda and uniflora are British plants as well as Canadian. R. A. Salisbury, in Gray's Arrangement, has erected the last into a new genus, by the name of Monises.

 

CHIMAPHILA. PH.

 

Chimaphila corymbosa. Ph. Pyrola umbellata. L. Winter green. Pipsessawa. (Indian name.)

 

"Leaves wedge-lanceolate, base acute; scape in an umbel; filaments glabrous."

 

A small evergreen half shrubby plant, six or eight inches high, with thick leaves of a deep green colour; the flower stalk rises from the centre of the leaves, and bears a cluster of handsome rose-coloured flowers, with a bright green centre. This is one of the articles of Pharmacy among our aborigines. Dr. Somerville brought it into notice during the Government of Sir James H. Craig. It grows abundantly about Quebec, in the company of its late

congeners the Pyrolas.

 

Chimaphila maculata. Ph. Spotted Wintergreen.

 

"Leaves lanceolate, rounded at the base, remotely serrate, marked with long white spots; sacpe two or three flowered."

 

This plant has the habit and properties of the preceding species. Both are tonics and diuretics. I have not yet found it in this neighbourhood, but Pursh says (in a MS. note) that it grows about Montreal.

MONOTROPA. L.

 

Monotropa lanuginosa. Mich. Wooly Birds'nest.

 

"Scale-bearing flowers in a spike; bracts and flowers wooly."

 

A perennial plant of strange appearance, consisting of a single stem about ten inches high, with small sessile leaves; every part of a yellowish brown and hairy, with a strong scent of musk. Grows at the roots of beech and other trees about Quebec.

 

Monotropa Hypopithys. W. Common Birds'nest.

 

"Flowers in a spike; scales and flowers not hairy; lateral flowers with eight stamens."

 

This plant resembles the foregoing one in habit, but is of more diminutive growth and every part of a dingy yellow. Grows in similar situations in this neighbourhood.

 

Monotropa uniflora. L. White Birds'nest.

 

"Scape straight; one flowered."

 

A small upright plant, composed of a simple stem about six inches high, with a large nodding flower at the summit; every part pure white, brittle, and succulent; sometimes it grows in clusters of three or four together. Grows in dry woods about Quebec. The plants composing this genus are destitute of green leaves, in lieu of which they are provided with scale-like processes on the scape of a like color.

 

PTEROSPORA. NUTT.

 

Pterospora Andromedea. Nutt.

 

A rare and strange looking plant, partaking much of the nature of the monotropa; like that genus, it is destitute of leaves and of verdure, consisting merely of single upright "stem one and a half or two feet high, brownish red or purple, clothed towards the base with lanceolate bracts. Flowers numerous, irregularly dispersed on a long raceme; peduncles spreading equally round the stem, sometimes collected in fascicles of four or five, nodding; corolla white, margin reddish, open. Every part of the plant, except the corol, covered with brown viscid hairs." (Torrey.) Grows in groves of the white pine at Marchmont and Sillery, near Quebec.

 

GAULTHEHIA. L.

 

Gaultheria procumbens. L. Wintergreen. Mountain tea.

 

"Stem procumbent; branches erect; leaves obovate, wedge shaped at the base; flowers few, terminal, nodding."

 

A very small evergreen half shrubby plant, with strong, shining, leathery leaves. Flowers in clusters, white, egg-shaped, delicate; followed by red berries, hanging on the plant all winter, when left by the partridges. The whole plant has a strong and peculiar, though pleasant flavor, and is sometimes used as tea, and to convert spirits into a cordial. Common about Quebec, and throughout Canada, in dry pine woods.

 

Gaultheria hispidula. Muhl. Creeping Wintergreen.

 

"Stem filiform, creeping, hispid; leaves ovate acute; flowers solitary, axillary."

 

A delicate evergreen creeping plant, growing in thick matted patches at the foot of spruce trees, in moist shady woods. It has the same pleasant flavor as the former species, and is sometimes exposed for sale in market under the name of thé sauvage. This plant is octandrous, and in other points does not well agree with the characters of this genus; it has already gone the round of vaccinium, arbutus, and oxycoccus, and will scarcely remain permanently where it now is; it may become the type of a new genus.

 

These plants were named in honour of Dr. Gaulthier, whom Kalm found in Quebec, when he visited Canada immediately before the conquest.

 

HUDSONIA. L.

 

Hudsonia ericoides. L. False Heath.

 

"Leaves sharply subulate, hirsute; peduncles filiform, solitary."

 

A delicate little shrub about six inches high, resembling some species of heath. Flowers yellow. Grows on the barren plains in the North. I have not seen it in a growing state.

 

VACCINIUM. L.

 

Vacciniurn resinosurn. Ait. Black Whortle Berry.

 

"Leaves stalked, oblong-oval, obtuse, entire, resinous beneath; racemes lateral, one sided, bracteate; corolla ovate-conic, pentangular."

 

A shrub two or three feet high, irregularly branched; leaves one and a half inch long on short stalks, oval or inverse egg-shaped; flowers red, and disposed in a raceme, followed by black sweet fruit. Grows in swamps at St. Foi and other places.

 

Vacciniurn corymbosum. L. High Whortle Berry.

 

"Floriferous branches leafless; leaves oblong-oval, acute at each end, nearly entire, the young ones downy; racemes short sessile, bracteate."

 

This shrub is about six feet high, with leaves one and a half inch long, sessile, finely sawed, grey beneath; flowers white, on an upright raceme; fruit large, black, rather sour. Grows in swamps.

 

Vacciniurn Pennsylvanicum. Lam. Whortle Berry. Bluet.

 

"Branches irregular; leaves sessile, oval lanceolate, mucronate; fascicles of flowers clustered, terminal, sessile; corolla ovate."

 

A small shrub about a foot high, bearing clusters of white or pink flowers at the ends of the branches, followed by small black or bluish fruit, of a pleasant taste. Leaves about an inch long, hoary when young; branches green, numerous and very irregular. This plant is liable to vary much in appearance, and sometimes in character. Grows abundantly about Quebec and other parts of the country, on dry grounds and rocky situations. Great quantities of the fruit are brought to market in August.

 

Vaccinium uliginosum. L. Eleaberry.

 

"Leaves obovate obtuse, entire, smooth above, veined and glaucus beneath; flowers subsolitary, octandrous; corolla short ovate, fourcleft."

 

An upright shrub two or three feet high, much crowded with branches and leaves; these are small, half to three quarters of an inch long, and of a leathery consistency, with the margin finely revolute; flowers rose coloured, followed by fruit somewhat resembling the common whortle berry. Found growing abundantly in a swamp at St. Joachim, on the top of a plateau, near the country seat of the gentlemen of the Quebec Seminary. It is a pretty plant, agreeing in habit with the European species. The plant [1] referred by Dr. Torrey to this species may be a variety; its procumbent habit makes it somewhat distinct from ours.

 

Vaccinium Vilis Idœa. L. Cowberry.

 

"Stem creeping; branches erect; leaves obovate, emarginate, serrulate, shining above, dotted beneath; corolla oblong campanulate."

 

A small evergreen creeping shrub, with short upright branches; leaves thick, half an inch long, blunt, edge rolled back, dark green above, pale beneath; flowers in clusters at the ends of the branches, reddish, nearly bellshaped; fruit small, red, and not pleasant to eat. This pretty little plant has much the habit and appearance of arbutus uvaursi, carpeting the ground in the same way. It is scarce about Quebec, but there is a large patch of it on the edge of the highway leading to Cap Rouge, near the grove of Pinus banksiana at Sillery.

 

OXYCOCCUS. Pers.

 

Oxycoccus Macrocarpus. Ph. Cranberry. Atocâ.

 

"Leaves oblong, flat, obtuse; segments of corolla lanceolate."

 

The cranberry plant is a slender trailing evergreen, with small narrow leaves, arranged in a double row along the stem. The flowers are lily shaped, and of a beautiful rose colour, succeeded by the well known fruit of this name, hanging on the plant all winter. It grows abundantly on the shallow bogs surrounding Lake St. Peter, and in similar situations, subject to periodical inundation. This pleasant fruit is yearly collected in autumn, and brought to market under the Indian name of atocâ, the proper French name of canneberge not being in use here. It is also sometimes collected in the spring, while yet under water; they have then acquired their beautiful crimson colour, and partly translucent appearance.

 

Oxycoccus Palustris. Pers. European Cranberry.

 

"Leaves oval, revolute at the edge, acute, white beneath; segments of corolla oval."

 

This species closely resembles the preceding one, but is a more delicate plant, and less in all its parts. It produces a smaller berry than the other, but equally delicious; indeed by some persons it is preferred before that, by reason of its thinner skin. Grows in sphagnous swamps, hid among the moss, and in company of the andromeda and kalmia at Sillery and other parts. It is sometimes, though rarely brought to market, as it does not grow so abundantly as the large fruited kind, and is difficult to find among the sphagnum.

 

LEDUM. L.

 

Ledum Latifolium. Ait. Labrador Tea.

 

"Leaves oblong, replicate on the margin, ferruginous tomentose beneath; stamens five, as long as the corolla."

 

An evergreen shrub two or three feet high, with dark brownish green leaves, rust colour beneath; flowers white, in clusters at the ends of the branches. Grows in sphagnous swamps along with the kalmia, &c. at Sillery, St. Foi and elsewhere.

 

Ledum Palustre. L. Marsh Ledum.

 

"Leaves linear, revolute on the margin, ferruginous tomentose beneath, stamens ten, longer than the corolla."

 

A small shrub resembling the foregoing one, but of less dimensions. Grows in similar situations, and is to be distinguished from it by the leaves being narrower and rolled back, and not folded back as in that species.

 

EPIGÆA. L.

 

Epigœa Repens. L. Ground Laurel.

 

"Leaves cordate-ovate, entire; corolla cylindrical."

 

A low trailing evergreen shrub, with stout leathery leaves, two to three inches long, shining both sides, and on long footstalks; flowers white and reddish, very fragrant, at the ends of the branches, opening in May. A beautiful plant, deserving a place in the flower border. Grows in dry grounds and among rocks, at St. Foi, in this neighborhood, St. Paul's Bay, and other places, particularly on the sides of mountains.

 

KALMIA. L.

 

Kalmia Augustifolia. L. Sheep Laurel. Narrow leaved Kalmia.

 

"Leaves ternate, petioled, obtuse, slightly ferruginous beneath; corymbs linear; peduncles and calyx glandular pubescent."

 

A beautiful evergreen shrub, about two feet high, bearing large clusters of red flowers round the stem, at the termination of the preceding year's growth. It is very showy, and well deserves a place in the shrubbery. Grows abundantly about Quebec, in sphagnous swamps, and on their margins.

Kalmia Glauca. Ait. Glaucus Kalmia.

 

"Leaves opposite, oblong, polished, glaucus beneath, revolute on the edge; branches two edged."

 

This also is a pretty evergreen shrub, about a foot and a half high; leaves much narrower, and darker green than the other, nearly white beneath, flowers bright rose colour, in clusters at the ends of the branches. A beautiful plant well deserving the attention of the amateur cultivator. It grows in company of the augustifolia, very commonly about Quebec and other parts of the country.

 

RHODORA. L.

 

Rhodora Canadensis. L. Canadian Rhodora.

 

A bushy, upright shrub, two or three feet high; leaves oval, entire, greyish beneath, edges rather turned back; flowers large, light crimson, in clusters at the ends of the branches, appearing early in spring before the leaves; petals unequal. A very ornamental plant, and should be in all shrubberies. Grows near Quebec, in the same swamps with the kalmia and andromeda.

 

EMPETREÆ

 

EMPETRUM. L.

 

Empetrum Nigrum. W. Black Crowberry.

 

"Procumbent; leaves oblong, glabrous, margin revolute."

 

A small evergreen shrub, growing flat on the ground, with numerous short upright branches, forming thick matted patches; leaves in fours, very small and crowded; flowers reddish, axillary, solitary; fruit a small blackish berry, having the flavour of elderberries. Grows on the rocky shores of the St. Lawrence, within the influence of the salt water. Found at Murray Bay, Riviere du Loup, and other places below Quebec.

 

ARISTOLOCHIÆ.

 

ASARUM. L.

 

Asarum Canadense. W. Wild Ginger.

 

"Leaves reniform, mucronate."

 

A small perennial herbaceous plant, with a few broad kidney-shaped leaves on long footstalks, and in pairs; petioles and leaves covered with short jointed hairs; flower dark brown, on a short stalk near the ground; opening among the first flowers in May. The root is pungent, strongly aromatic, and is said to possess some medicinal qualities. Grows in shady woods.

 

ACERINEÆ.

 

ACER. L.

 

Acer Rubrum. L. Red Maple. Plaine.

 

"Leaves on long stalks, cordate about five lobed, smooth, glaucus beneath segments acuminate, cut toothed, umbels erect "

 

A tolerably large tree of handsome appearance, when growing in open grounds. It shews its flowers in April before the leaves expand; the profusion of bright red and lively yellow blossoms, enlivening the woods where this tree abounds, often when patches of snow yet remain on the ground. Again in autumn, when most trees assume a russet attire, this and some of the other maples put on rich dresses of all shades of red, from deep crimson to flaming orange, giving to the forest that gay and variegated appearance, of which the landscape painter avails himself for the embellishment of his scenery. The timber is white, and at the heart of a reddish hue; frequently, when full grown, shewing that beautiful undulating appearance, called curled maple, which is worked up into cabinet work. I'he wood is not in request for fuel, when better is to be had. The maples abound in a saccharine sap, which is manufactured into sugar to some extent; but the sap of this species is much weaker than that of the sugar maple, for which reason, as well perhaps of its less pleasant flavour, it is seldom used for that purpose, except in the absence of the other.

 

With the inner bark, dyes of different shades of blue and black may be prepared, with proper additions of copperas; it therefore contains gallic acid, and probably the tanning principle, generally found together; it forms one of the colouring materials of our Indian women.

 

This tree usually grows in lands subject to periodical inundation, in company of the swamp ash, Canadian elm, and alders; but it is also found in very different situations, such as the high dry lands near the Flains of Abraham.

 

Acer Dasycaryum .W. White Maple. Erable Blanc.

 

"Leaves cordate, five lobed, whitish and smooth beneath; segments acuminate cut toothed; flowers in capitate umbels "

 

The white maple is a rather tall tree, sending out numerous branches low down the trunk, making it assume a large bushy head. The divisions of the leaves are drawn out into long narrow points, are bright green above, and nearly white beneath, contrasting finely in the wind. It is altogether a picturesque tree, very fit for park scenery. The timber is soft, white, and of little value, not being used for any purpose that I know of, except for inlaying furniture by the cabinet-maker. Bark grey and smooth. The inner bark is capable of producing the blue and black dies; and the sap is saccharine in about the same degree as red maple, therefore seldom resorted to for the purpose of making sugar. The usual places of growth of the white maple, is on the alluvial deposits on the margins of rivers; it may be seen in such situations at the outlet of the rivers Chaudière and Etchemin, near this city.

 

Acer Saccharinnm. L. Sugar Maple. Erable.

 

"Leaves subcordate, acutely five lobed, downy beneath; lobes nearly entire, corymbs before the leaves loose, nodding."

 

The sugar maple is a tree of tall upright growth, irregularly spreading at top, equalling the lime tree in height, and almost in bulk of stem. The bark is of a grey colour, and remarkably ridged longitudinally, with deep unequal furrows. The leaves are broad, lobed and cut; the bays wide and rounded -at bottom, both sides nearly alike in colour. It flowers in April and May, ripening its seeds early in autumn.

 

In domestic economy, this is one of the most useful trees that the Canadian forest produces. The wood is hard, heavy and close grained, constituting the very best of fuel for inclosed fire-places; it is in much request with the cabinetmaker and house carpenter, especially that variety which is so beautifully marked with dots and rings surrounding them, known by the name of bird's-eye maple; and that with undulations, or the curled maple. These kinds of wood do not regularly exist in the tree, but are supposed to be produced by some properties in the land, uncongenial to its quick and free growth; yet a conjecture might be ventured, whether these appearances in the wood may not be formed by the passage of the embryo buds through the stem of the tree, either in their passage upwards, or from the centre towards the bark, or perhaps both; some woodmen, however, have formed the opinion that a disease, or stinted growth, is the cause of these beautiful formations, and are so well acquainted with outward appearances as to fell a maple, with a certainty of finding the markings sought for. This kind of timber is very frequently made up into tables, desks, wardrobes and other furniture; also into pannel work, in the inside finishing of rooms and ships' cabins; unfortunately it does not take glue well, being very apt to open at the joinings, perhaps owing to the closeness of grain of the wood.

 

The value of this tree to the proprietor is, however, much more extensive in the growing state, than when converted into timber. From its rising sap in spring is procured an excellent sugar, one of the comforts, if not quite a necessary of life. In the month of March, the farmer, with a suitable party, repairs to his maple grove, frequently at a considerable distance from home, provided with snow shoes, buckets, boilers, and other necessaries for the manufacture of sugar, after the most simple process, together with other indispensable articles for a month's residence in the forest. In the fine sunny days of March, the ascending sap flows freely from small incisions, made with an axe or auger through the bark, and about a foot or two from the ground, particularly after frosty nights; this sap is made to run into wooden troughs placed near the tree, and is collected by the men, going from tree to tree, into buckets, and carried to the evaporating boiler at the encampment; it is there boiled down to a thick syrup, and poured into moulds to harden. In the Lower Province, maple sugar is always formed into a concrete hard mass, which requires to be grated down for use. In Upper Canada, it is manufactured into a granular state; not, however, by the ordinary process of crystalization, but by continually stirring the syrup until all the moisture is evaporated, and the sugar left in powder. The trees will continue to produce sap during five or six weeks, each furnishing abour two gallons a-day on an average, four or five gallons yielding a pound of sugar; but towards the end of the following season the sap becomes incapable of hardening into good sugar, and acquires a peculiar and somewhat unpleasant flavor. To the sugar then made is applies the name of sucre de sève, and serves to announce the expediency of breaking up the encampment, and repairing home with the sweet produce of their labors; a small quantity of syrup being previously collected in bottles, for use as treacle.

 

The sugar maple is generally diffused throughout the province, clothing almost exclusively the upland undulating countries lying parallel with, but frequently at some distance from the St. Lawrence: this kind of land is very generally preferred by one class of settlers for the formation of farms, especially when there is a sprinkling of basswood, elm and butternut among it, indicating a deep, mellow, friable loam. An opportunity has lately occurred of noticing extensive growths of this tree on formations of mica slate.

 

Acer Striatum. Mich. F. Pennsylvanicum. L. Moosewood, Striped Maple.

 

"Leaves with three acuminate lobes, rounded at the base, acutely dentate, smooth; racemes simple, pendulous."

 

A spreading shrub or small tree, ten or twelve feet high bearing large deep green leaves, less cut or divided than other maples. The bark is green and beautifully striped with black, or dark green approaching to black.

 

Moose are said to be fond of the young branches of this tree and feed on them in winter and spring, with those of birch and other trees. The timber is of too small growth to be applied to any useful purpose: but as an ornamental plant it may find a place in shrubberies and plantations; its fine broad leaves and long pendulous racemes of yellowish flowers rendering it a desirable plant for this purpose. Abundant about Quebec in dry and stony grounds.

 

Acer Montanum. Ait. Mountain Maple. Erable batard.

 

"Leaves about five lobed, acute, serrated, downy beneath; racemes compound, erect."

 

This is also a shrub of about the same dimensions as the pieceding one; and like it applicable to no other purpose than as an ornamental plant. The leaves are comparatively small and more divided than the last; and the plant is peculiar in having erect racemes of flowers of handsome appearance. Common in hilly grounds about Quebec and elsewhere in Canada.

 

Acer Nigrum. Mich. F. Black Sugar Maple.

 

"Leaves cordate, five lobed, downy beneath; corymbs sessile, nodding; fruit smooth."

 

This is said to be a large tree closely resembling the saccharinum, and possessing similar properties. I have not yet had an opportunity of observing this tree, therefore have nothing to offer respecting it. Supposed to grow in Upper Canada.

 

ROSACEÆ

 

PRUNUS.

 

Prunus Virginiana. W. Wild Cherry. Cerisier.

 

"Flowers racemose; racemes erect; leaves deciduous doubly toothed, smooth; stalks with four glands."

 

A tall upright tree, attaining in the forest a considerable height; in this province, however, it does not acquire the bulk of stem and altitude that it does on the southern shores of Lake Erie and Ontario, attaining there, in the rich land that it delights in, very large dimensions. The timber is there sawed into boards, plank, and scantling, and brought down here for the use of the cabinet maker; it is of a light red colour and frequently veined like mahogany, looking little less beautiful when properly stained and varnished.

 

The flowers are in long upright racemes, followed by long branches or clusters of small black cherries, something like the choke cherry. The bark is of a dark colour, and detaches from the stem in large flakes. Grows in Lower Canada, south of the St. Lawrence.

 

Prunus Serotina. Ehrh. Choke Cherry. Cerisier à grappes.

 

"Flowers in loose racames; leaves deciduous, simply serrated; lower serratures glandular, rib bearded towards the base."

 

The choke cherry tree frequently attains a height of thirty feet, but its trunk does not become sufficiently bulky to be of use as timber. Bark greyish brown, and like the wild cherry tree, detaches itself from the stem when old. Flowers in long inclined racemse, very fragrant, and followed by small fruit, dark, red, black, and sometimes white; very astringent and rough in the mouth when eaten, whence is derived its name. The fruit, notwithstanding its roughness, is readily devoured by the birds, the trees being stripped by them almost as soon as ripe; it is also sometimes collected for the purpose of giving a flavor to spirits an imitation of cherry bounce. The bark contains prussic acid, and is, by the Indians, sometimes used as a vulnerary article of their materia medica. Spread very generally throughout Canada.

 

Prunus Pennsylvanica. W. Small Red Cherry. Merisier.

 

"Umbel subsessile, aggregate, many flowered, at length pannicled; leaves oblong lanceolate, serrated, smooth."

 

This is an upright slender tree, about twenty feet high, with smooth, shining, brown bark, and many upright fine branches. Flowers white, in close clusters, succeeded by small red fruit, remarkably acid. From the stem and branches of this tree when wounded, exudes a reddish gum, much resembling and perhaps possessing the properties of gum arabic: this may become of some value in future times. The timber is of small dimensions, and not applied to any useful purpose. Grows every where throughout the province; abounding most in dry sandy situations.

 

Prunus Nigra. W. Black Cherry. Cerisier noir.

 

"Umbel sessile, solitary, few flowered; leaves deciduous, ovate, acuminata, finely serrated: petioles with two glands."

 

A small tree, about twenty feet high, producing, in September, a black and rather pleasant fruit, somewhat, larger than the choke cherry: this fruit is also used to make cherry brandy. Grows sparingly on the banks of the St. Francis and L'assomption; it is rather scarce in general. I have not seen enough of it to give a more satisfactory description.

 

Prunus Depressa. Ph. Sand Cherry.

 

"Umbel sessile, clustered, few flowered; calyx obtuse; branches angular, prostrate; leaves cuneate, lanceolate, glaucus beneath."

 

This species is a low recumbent shrub, seldom rising above a foot high. It produces a small, black, dry fruit, not eatable. Grows on the sandy shores of the St. Lawrence, at the island of Orleans, the island of Montreal, and other places. It is not a plant of any interest.

 

Prunus Pygmœa. W. Pygmy Cherry.

 

"Umbels sessile, aggregate, few flowered; leaves ovate elliptical, acute, smooth on each side, with two glands at base."

 

A low shrub, about four feet high, producing black indifferent fruit, about the size of the choke cherry. Collected on the banks of the Ottawa, by Pursh, who gave me a specimen. I have not yet observed it in a growing state.

 

Prunus Americana. Marshall. Wild Plum. Prunier.

 

"This (tree) generally rises to the height of twelve or fifteen feet, spreading into many stiff branches. The leaves are oblong, oval, acute pointed, sharply sawed on the edges and much veined. The flowers generally come out very thick round the branches, often upon thick short spurs, and are succeeded by large oval fruit, with a sweet succulent pulp. We have a great variety of these growing naturally in a good moist soil, with a reddish and yellowish fruit, but differing much in size, taste, and consistence." [2] This is Humphrey Marshall's description of our common wild plum, and it appears to be very full and accurate. I find no mention of this plant by recent authors: nor can I account in any way for its having been overlooked by them, especially as it was so well described by Marshall so long ago as 1785. Grows in the neighbourhood of Montreal, and sparingly in other parts of the province; has been introduced into gardens and improves much by culture.

 

SPIRÆA.

 

Spirœa Salicifolia. L. Willow-leaved Spirœa.

 

"Leaves oblong, serrated, smooth; racemes decompound."

 

A small upright wand-like shrub, two or three feet high, with a few branches, producing its clusters of flowers at the summit. It grows in swampy grounds, and is of little or no interest.

 

Spirœa tomentosa. L. Tomentose Spirœa.

 

"Leaves lanceolate, unequally serrate, downy beneath; flowers doubly racemose."

 

This is a pretty little upright shrub, with few or no branches, about two feet high, and terminated by a conical bunch of handsome pink flowers, which with the woolly stem and under surface of the leaves, render this rather an interesting plant for the garden. Grows in swampy situations about Sainte Foi and various other parts of the province.

 

Spirœa Opulifolia. L. Guelderrose Leaved Spirœa.

 

"Leaves ovate three lobed, serrated; corymbs stalked.

 

A spreading bush of four or five feet high, composed of numerous slender branches; bearing leaves resembling those of the snowball, and dense clusters of small whitish flowers at the ends of the branches; followed by bunches of permanent inflated seed vessels. Grows along the rocky shores of the St. Lawrence; very common about Quebec. This plant is not void of interest as an ornamental shrub. — It is commonly called Ninebark.

DRYAS.

 

Dryas octopetala. W. Mountain Dryas.

 

"Leaves ovate, oblong, coarsely toothed, rugose, white tomentose beneath; peduncles one flowered."

 

Pursh, in his visit to Anticosti, found a Dryas, which he supposed to be a new species, and gave it the name of "geoides." He gave me some specimens, but which come so close to the description of odopetala, that I am disposed to think it not essentially different; — yet, the leaves are wider, somewhat obovate and hairy above, petiole shorter than the leaf; the stipules narrow lanceolate; two small bracts or scales on the scape. The opportunity of studying a recent specimen may, probably, establish it a new species.

 

Dryas Tenella. Ph.

 

"Leaves small, ovate, acute, hcartshaped at base, entire, fiat beneath, snowy tomentose; peduncle one flowered."

 

Pursh also brought this little plant from Anticosti, naming it rosmarinifolia; but it does not appear to differ from tenella; it seems more shrubby than the octopetala. They are both pretty little evergreen, half shrubby plants, growing in tufts, close on the ground.

 

GEUM.

 

Geum Stridum. Ait. Upright Avens.

 

"Flowers erect; awns hooked naked; cauline leaves pinnate, leaflets and stipules split; petals longer than the calyx."

 

A herbaceous perennial plant, about two feet high, with very long radical leaves, irregularly feathered, terminating in a large round leaflet, somewhat heartshaped and divided into three or more lobes: the stem leaves are progressively smaller and more divided. The flowers are produced at the top of the stem, in a loose cluster, large, and of a yellow colour. Grows by the sides of brooks and other moist places about Quebec.

 

Geum Virginianum. L. Small White Flowered Avens.

 

"Flowers erect; awns hooked naked; cauline leaves ternate, upper ones lanceolate; petals shorter than the calyx."

 

A plant of similar habit with the preceding one. Grows on the banks of the Ottawa, on the authority of Pursh.[3] I have not met with it.

 

Geum Album. W. White Flowered Avens.

 

"Flowers erect; radical leaves pinnate, cauline ones ternate, upper simple; lower stipules cut; petals length of the calyx."

 

A perennial plant about two feet high: much divided at top into many slender branches, terminated by white flowers. Grows about Quebec, in moist grounds.

 

Geum Rivale. W. Water Avens.

 

"Flowers nodding; petals length of calyx; awns feathery, twisted in the middle."

 

This plant differs from the preceding ones, in the flowers being turned down, and of a brownish purple colour; it grows about Quebec, on the margins of brooks and other moist situations. Miller says its roots are astringent and aromatic, and used by the Canadians in the cure of agues.

 

Geum Geniculatum. Mich.

 

"Subpanicle many flowered; cauline leaves, subsessile three parted; stipules entire, petals wedge-inverse heartshaped, awns hairy throughout, bent in the middle."

 

Pursh says this species is to be found on the banks of the Ottawa. I have never seen it.

 

RUBUS.

 

Rubus Idœus. W. Raspberry of Europe.

 

"Leaves quinate, pinnate and ternate, rugose, smooth both sides; stem, petioles and peduncles prickly; raceme terminal."

 

The European Raspberry is found in Canada, but very sparingly; localities on the Ottawa, and of the white fruited variety at Sorel. Its habit here is more diminutive than in Europe, and is upright; this character will serve, at first sight, to distinguish it from the Canadian Raspberry, which puts on a more spreading, branching shape. This is the species commonly admitted into gardens for the sake of its fruit; both the plant and shrub are much increased in size by culture.

 

Rubus Occidentalis. W. Black Raspberry. Catherinette..

 

"Leaves ternate; leaflets ovate, acuminate, somewhat lobed, coarsely serrate; hoary tomentose beneath; petioles terete; racemes terminal."

 

This species grows to a height of four or five feet, with beautifully arched stems, of a purplish colour, covered with greyish powder, easily rubbed off; and furnished with a few strong hooked prickles. Flowers at the ends of the branches in bunches, mixed with leaves; and followed in September by eatable fruit, shaped like the common Raspberry, but a firmer consistency and black, covered with bluish bloom. Grows very commonly in dry sandy lands.

 

Rubus Villosus. W. Blackberry. Mur.

 

"Leaves fivecleft, acuminate, finely serrate, villous on each side; stems and petioles prickly."

 

This plant grows very generally in every part of the Province, bearing a sweet black fruit, not detaching from the receptacle, as in the Raspberry, lengthened more or less into the shape of the Mulberry fruit; from which resemblance is supposed to be derived the Canadian name of Mur. The Blackberry is commonly found in dry lands of indifferent quality. The stems are angular, prickly, and grow in a spreading irregular manner, attaining a height of four of five feet. Flowers large, white, in long loose bunches; the lower fruit ripening first, the others in succession upwards.

 

A marked variety, if not a distinct species, is of more humble growth, with smaller leaves, fruit of a roundish shape, and flowers highly fragrant. The two grow frequently together, and preserve their respective characters distinct, yet it is difficult to find any botanical differences between them.

 

Rubus Slrigosus. Mich. Canadian Raspberry. Framboisier.

 

"Unarmed, hispid; leaflets three or pennate quinate, ovate, blunt at base, white beneath, the odd one (sometimes) cordate."

 

Our common Raspberry is a plant of more spreading, irregular growth than the Idœus; and is found as generally diffused throughout Canada as the Blackberry. The stem is about three feet high, has no prickles, but is covered with short stiff bristles; which character may serve at sight to distinguish it from the species first mentioned. This plant grows abundantly in dry sandy lands and rocky situations; bearing abundance of fine red fruit, resembling the European kind; and which is brought to market in great quantities in July, following close upon the Strawberries; they are eaten fresh, with milk, and made into sweetmeats.

 

Rubus Odoratus. W. Rose Raspberry. Calottes.

 

"Leaves simple, palmate; stem unarmed, many leaved, many flowered."

 

A handsome spreading shrub, three or four feet high, bearing large reddish purple flowers, resembling a single rose; succeeded in August by large round fruit, of a dark red colour, detaching very freely from the receptacle; but it is acid, not very pleasant to eat. Grows commonly in every part of the Province, in dry rocky situations. This plant is sometimes admitted into gardens and shrubberies as an ornamental shrub.

 

Rubus Canadensis. W. Purple stalked Bramble.

 

"Smoothish; leaves digitate in fives and threes, lanceolate, naked each side, finely serrated; stem unarmed; bracts lanceolate."

 

The stems of this species are very slender, smooth, purplish brown, reclining on the ground; producing short upright branches every four or five inches of their length; on which are the leaves, the lower ones sometimes in fives, the others in threes, and terminated by lengthened fruit stalks, supporting one, two, or three white flowers: these are followed, in July, by small red fruit, adhering to the receptacle, sour but pleasant, and known to the country people by the name of Fraises courantes. Grows on the sides of hills and rocky situations.

 

Rubus Hispidus. W. Bristly Bramble.

 

"Leaves three, naked; stems and petioles very hispid, bristles stiff."

 

This is also a decumbent species, somewhat resembling the foregoing one. I have not seen it. Pursh found it growing at Anticosti.

 

Rubus Chamœmorus. W. Cloudberry.

 

"Leaves simple, lobed; stem unarmed, one flowered."

 

A small upright herbaceous species, bearing amber coloured fruit. Found also at Anticosti, by Pursh.

 

Rubus Triflorus. Richardson. American Stone Bramble.

 

"Leaves ternate, naked; leaflets rhomboid, acute, cut serrate, the odd one stalked; flowers, about three."

 

A herbaceous running plant, growing among rocks, and producing black sweet fruit. This seems to be the same plant as Michaux's Rubus saxalilis var. Canadensis: no synonym is given.

 

The trivialis, articus, pistillatus, and probably other species, may prove to be natives of Canada.

 

DALIBARDA. MICH.

 

Dalibarda Repens. Lam. Violet Leaved Dalibarda.

 

"Leaves simple, cordate, crenate; peduncles one flowered."

 

A small herbaceous perennial plant, sending out rooting runners close on the ground, from the joints of which rise up, on a long slender stalk, a single heartshaped leaf, somewhat hairy; as is also the petiole and peduncle: the latter also rising from the joints, very slender, with one narrow acute bract below the middle, and supporting a single white flower. Grows in dry pine woods about Quebec.

 

FRAGAR1A. L.

 

Fragaria Virginiana. L. Wild Strawberry. Fraisier.

 

"Calyx of fruit spreading; pubescence of petioles erect, of peduncles adpressed; leaves smoothish above."

 

Our Wild Strawberry, when growing in the fields, is seldom above two or three inches high, whereas, when growing in shady woods, it will rise to a height of six or eight inches, the bunches of flowers then generally overtopping the leaves, and bearing fruit much larger than in exposed situations. I have observed a very marked variety in several places, having leaves and fruit very much resembling the Alpine Strawberry of the gardens; but, not having gathered specimens of it, I am unable at present to describe it; it may possibly be the Canadensis of Michaux. The fruit of the Wild Strawberry is brought to market in abundance in June and July; although not of a large size, is of very delicious flavour, and is frequently preserved for winter's use.

 

POTENTILLA.

 

Potentilla Tridentata. Ait. Trifid Leaved Potentilla.

 

"Leaves ternate, cuneiform, trifid at the end."

 

A slender herbaceous perennial plant, about six inches high, producing a few ternate radical leaves, and one of same shape half way up the stem, with some narrow bracts in threes at the forks of the peduncles above. The flowers are white and pretty; the plant altogether is rather interesting, the blunt and notched leaves giving it an unusual appearance. Grows in some abundance on the Plains of Abraham. Pursh's specimens from Anticosti are very diminutive, and only about three inches high.

 

Potentilla Hirsuta. Mich.

 

"Stem erect, simple; leaves ternate, petiolate; leaflets roundish, hairy, unequally dentate serrate; teeth obtuse; petals shorter than the calyx."

 

An annual plant, much tufted at the bottom, with numerous radical leaves, all in threes, and in long slender hairy footstalks. Stalk erect, about a foot high, hairy, and furnished with three or four leaves shaped like those at the root, and provided with wide, entire stipules. Flowers in a cluster at the summit, intermixed with leaves; petals small, pale yellow or white. This is a common weed in gardens, and very much resembling the following one.

 

Potentilla Norwegeca. L. Norwegian Potentilla.

 

"Leaves ternate; stem dichctemous; peduncles avillarv; stipules oval dentate."

 

This is also an annual plant, in habit much resembling the hisurta, but may be distinguished from it by the different stipule, and, being branched like it, it is an unwelcome in¬truder in our gardens. Flowers yellow, petals obovate and shorter than the calyx.

 

Potentilla Opaca. W. Small Rough Potentilla.

 

"Radical leaves in fives and sevens, ovate, wedge shaped, toothed; petals retuse, the length of the calyx; stem filiform decumbent, hairy "

 

A slender spreading decumbent plant, with several radical leaves on very fine footstalks, leaflets generally in fives, and oval or eggshaped, not linear as described; cauline leaves similarly shaped, but on shorter stalks; stipules lanceolate, entire; peduncle axillary long, very slender, and bearing a single small deep yellow flower; stems several, all from the root and not branched; comes near Michaux's simplex. Grows at Sillery and Point Levi.

 

Potentilla Argentea. L. Silvery Potentilla.

 

"Stem ascending; leaves quinate; leaflets cuneiform, incised, white and tomentose beneath; petals retuse, a little longer than the calyx."

 

An upright perennial species, branched, and attaining a height of about ten inches, bearing clusters of small yellow flowers, surrounded by young leaves; radical leaves few, sometimes but one, on a long stiff stalk; leaflets subdivided into narrow segments. Found at Cape Torment, on the shore.

Potenlilla Anserina. L. Wild Tansey.

 

"Leaves interruptedly pinnate, silky; leflets finely serrate; stem creeping; peduncles one flowered."

 

This plant is common to the old continent, as well as to this, growing generally in wet places. Radical leaves several, silky and nearly white beneath; leaflets from five to ten pairs, and the terminal one with small ones between. The stems are decumbent rooting at the joints, where the peduncle is produced bearing a large yellow flower. Grows on the shores of the St. Lawrence about Quebec.

 

Potenlilla Florabunda. Ph. Cluster Flowered Potenlilla.

 

"Leaves pinnate; leaflets linear oblong, revolute at the edge; petioles short; corymbs terminal".

A handsome bushy flowering shrub, about two feet high, producing numerous spreading branches; leaves pinnate, with two or three pairs and an odd one; grey beneath, finely silky as well as the young branches; stipules oval lanceolate, entire and pellucid. Flowers large, yellow, numerous at the ends of the branches, rendering it an ornamental plant, fit for garden culture. Found on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, by Dr. Kelly, R. N.

 

Potenlilla Fruticosa. W. Shrubly Potenlilla.

 

"Leaves pinnate; leaflets linear oblong flat; petioles long; branches one or two flowered."

 

This species closely resembles the preceding one; but is said to be of more robust habit.    Pursh notes having observed it at Anticosti.

 

AGRIMONIA. L.

 

Agrimonia Parvifiora. W. Small Flowered Agrimony.

 

"Fruit hispid; cauline leaves pinnate, with many lanceolate leaflets; petals half as long again as calyx."

 

A herbaceous perennial upright plant, about two feet high, with leaves interruptedly pinnate; the terminal leaflet sessile, all coarsely toothed; stem terminating in two or three long racemes of numerous sessile small yellow flowers, supported by narrow sharp bracts. Grows by the sides of roads about Quebec.

 

Agrimonia Eupatoria. W. Common Agrimony.

 

"Fruit hispid; cauline leaves pinnate, with oblong ovate leaflets; spike elevated; petals twice as long as the calyx."

 

This species grows at Montreal, on the authority of Pursh. I have not seen it.

 

COMARTUM. W.

 

Comarum palustre. W. Marsh Cinquefoil.

 

"Leaves pinnate; petals smaller than the calyx'."

 

A perennial herbaceous plant, about two feet high, and having the appearance of a potentilla. The leaves are pinnate, generally with five leaflets, on a winged stalk, growing shorter upwards; the peduncles spring from the axils of the leaves and also terminate the plant, bearing large flowers with brown petals, exceeded by the sharp segments of the calyx. The leaflets about an inch or an inch and a half long, oval or inverse egg-shaped, coarsely and very sharply sawed. Grows in swamps and brooks about Quebec.

 

SANGTJISORBA. L.

 

Sanguisorba Canadensis. W. Canadian Great Burnet.

 

"Spike cylindrical, very long; stamens much longer than the corolla."

 

A herbaceous perennial plant, about three feet high, upright, slender, with few leaves on the stem; these are pinnate with three or more pairs and a terminating leaflet; sharply sawed; stipules large, leaf-like, sawed; spikes four or five at top, about four inches long. Grows in meadows and waste grounds about Quebec.

 

ROSA. L.

 

Rosa Blanda. W. Hudson's Bay Rose.

 

"Germ globular, smooth; older branches and peduncles smooth, unarmed; leaflets seven, oblong, subequally serrate, smooth; petioles smooth with few prickles."

 

A small shrub of two or three feet in height, with slender dark red or purple branches, having a few weak prickles towards the top; germ round and of a very dark purple colour with a thin white blush over it; leaves sharply sawed, oval, and greyer beneath; roses large, handsome. Grows on the banks of the river at Point Levi.

 

Rosa Parviflora. Ehrh. Small Flowered Rose.

 

"Fruit depressed globose, and with the peduncles hispid; petioles pubescent, somewhat prickly; stem smooth; stipular prickles straight; leaflets elliptical lanceolate, simply serrate, smooth when mature; flowers generally in pairs."

 

This shrub is about three or four feet high, furnished with numerous yellow branches, and thickly beset with fine straight prickles. My specimens, gathered at Point Levi, vary much from the specific description; as in the fruit being smooth, the stipules very wide, and the prickles being closely set on the stem, sharp, white, and surrounded at base with a brown raised margin. It appears to come near the canina of Europe.

 

Rosa Inermis. Ph.

 

In Pursh's list of plants collected at Anticosti, he has a rose thus named, with the mark N. S. after it, meaning new species. I have no description of it.

 

CRATÆGUS. L.

Cratœgus Coccinea. W. Scarlet Fruited Hawthorn.

 

"Spiny, leaves cordate, ovate, cut angular, smooth; petioles and calyx glandular; styles fine."

 

A large thorny shrub, producing numerous upright branches, even from the bottom. Flowers in May, in large white clusters at the ends of the branches; succeeded in autumn by small round red fruit. This tree answers equally well with the English thorn for making quick hedges: with proper treatment it will become a thick impenetrable fence, and to which we shall in all probability be under the necessity of having recourse sooner or later to inclose our fields.

 

Cratœgus Pyrifolia. W. Pear Leaved Thorn.

 

"Leaves ovate elliptic, cut serrate; somewhat plaited and hairy; calyx villous, segments linear lanceolate; styles three."

 

This shrub is of somewhat larger growth than the preceding one, and equally bushy; it may probably answer as well the purpose of making hedges. Flowers in May, white, in clusters. Fruit red, oval, and eatable. Grows generally in stony places, frequently in company of the scarlet fruited thorn.

 

Cratœgus Glandulosa. W. Hollow Leaved Hawthorn.

 

"Spiny; leaves oval wedge-shaped, angular, smooth, shining; petioles, stipule, and calyx glandular; berries oval, with five seeds."

 

A shrub of similar habit with the preceding ones, differing however in the shape of the leaf and in other particulars. Fruit oval, scarlet. Grows at Sorel, the Ottawa, &c.

 

Cratœgus Punctata. W. Spotted Fruited Hawthorn.

 

"Leaves obovate, cuneiform, angular, smooth, serrated; calyx villous, segments su bulate, entire."

 

This thorn frequently grows with a single stem to a tree of singular but beautiful appearance, to a height of about twenty feet; it produces its branches all at the summit, and spread out horizontally so as to cover a great space of ground compared with the altitude of the tree. In open spaces where it has room to assume its natural shape, and when contrasted with trees of spiry growth, it is altogether a very picturesque object, worth the attention of the landscape painter. Flowers in spreading clusters in May; followed by fruit ripe in October, red or yellow, dotted with black spots, large globular, two or three seeded, eatable and commonly known by the name of pommettes. Grows in stony grounds, in open fields about Quebec, and various other places.

 

Other species of cratœgus are no doubt natives of Canada, as crusgalli, populifolia, flava, and elliptica; but I have not met with them.

 

AMELANCHIEH. LINDLEY.

 

Amelanchier Botryapium. Lind. Snowy Amelanchier.

"Leave? oblong elliptical, cuspidate, smooth; sepals smooth; germ pubescent."

 

A slender tree, growing to a height of thirty feet or more, and attaining a bulk of about six inches. It usually rises with a single straight stem, with branches spreading moderately upwards. The flowers' are white, in long clusters at the ends of the branches, appearing in May before the leaves are quite expanded: the tree at that season puts on the appearance of being covered with snow. The fruit is a dark red or purple berry, ripe in June, very sweet and melting in the mouth: in the country parts this small fruit is dignified with the name of poire, more from its fine flavor, it is presumed, than from any resemblance to pears.

 

The leaves as they expand are covered with a white downiness, which disappears when full grown: they then become smooth, and of a reddish green colour. Grows generally in stony lands: plentiful about Quebec.

 

Amelanchier ovalis. Lind. Oxal Leaved Amelanchier.

 

"Leaves roundish elliptical, acute, smooth; petals obovate; sepals and germ pubescent."

 

This species resembles the foregoing one in many respects, particularly in the fruit, which is also known by the same common name; but the tree is of much humbler growth and more bushy. The leaves are wider and lighter green than the snowy amelanchier. The flowers also in pendulous branches, white, appearing in May wtth the other, and the fruit ripening simultaneously. An ornamental shrub, and grows generally in company of the other.

 

PYRUS. L.

 

Pyrus Melanocarpa. W. Black Fruited Pyrus.

 

"Unarmed; leaves obovate oblong, acuminate, serrated, smooth beneath; rachia glandular above; calyx smooth."

 

A spreading shrub about four feet high, with dark green leaves, the upper surface shining. Flowers in spreading clusters at the ends of the branches; petals roundish, white tinged with red. Fruit ripe in August, small, black, shining, and highly astringent; yet it is esteemed by children notwithstanding its quality of puckering up their mouths and staining them black: hence is derived its common name of geuele noire. Grows commonly by the sides of ditches and other moist places: frequent about Quebec. A very ornamental little shrub.

 

Pyrus Americana. W. Canadian Mountain Ash.

 

"Leaves pinnated; leaflets acute, almost equally serrated, and common petiole smooth."

 

A small upright tree, about fifteen feet high, generally rising with a single straight stem, and spreading moderately upwards. Flowers at the ends of the branches in large spreading clusters, white and highly scented. Fruit small, red, in globular bunches; ripe in September, astringent, not eatable, but very ornamental when suffered to remain on the tree by the birds, who devour them greedily. The buds and bark of this tree have the peculiar taste of bitter almonds, which may be imparted to spirits giving the flavor of noyeau. This is a highly ornamental tree in plantations, especially in autumn when loaded with its large clusters of bright red fruit Grows in stony lands about Quebec, and very commonly in higher latitudes. Its fruit is known here by the aboriginal name of Masquabina.