The sprightly CANADA VIOLET (V. Canadensis), widely distributed in woodlands, chiefly in hilly and mountainous regions, rears tall, leafy stems terminated by faintly fragrant white or pale lavender blossoms, purple-tinged without and purple veined, the side petals bearded, the long sepals tapering to sharp points. Here we see a violet in the process of changing from the white ancestral type to the purple color which Sir John Lubbock, among other scientists, considers the highest step in chromatic evolution. This species has heart-shaped, saw-edged leaves which taper acutely. From May even to July is its regular blooming season; but the delightful family eccentricity of flowering again in autumn appears to be a confirmed habit with the Canada violet. ENCHANTER'S NIGHTSHADE (Circaea Lutetiana) Evening Primrose family Flowers - Very small, white, slender pedicelled, in terminal and lateral racemes. Calyx 2-parted, hairy 2 petals, 2 alternate stamens. Stem: 1 to 2 ft. high, slender, branching, swollen at nodes. Leaves: Opposite, tapering to a point, distantly toothed, 2 to 4 in. long, slender petioled. Fruit: Pear-shaped, 2-celled, densely covered with stiff, hooked hairs. Preferred Habitat - Woods; shady roadsides. Flowering Season - June-August. Distribution - Nova Scotia to Georgia, westward to Nebraska. Europe and Asia. Why Circe, the enchantress, skilled in the use of poisonous herbs, should have had her name applied to this innocent and insignificant looking little plant is not now obvious; neither is the title of nightshade any more appropriate. Each tiny flower having a hairy calyx, that acts as a stockade against ants and other such crawling pilferers, we suspect there are abundant sweets secreted in the fleshy ring at the base of the styles for the benefit of the numerous flies seen hovering about. Among other visitors, watch the common housefly alighting on the knobby stigma, a most convenient landing place, where he leaves some pollen carried on his underside from other nightshade blossoms. In clasping the bases of the two pliable stamens, his only available supports as he sucks, he will surely get well dusted again, that he may fertilize the next blossom he flies to for refreshment. The nightshade's little pear-shaped seed vessels, armed with hooked bristles by which they steal a ride on any passing petticoat or trouser leg, reveal at a glance how this plant has contrived to travel around the globe. A smaller, weaker species (Circaea alpina), found in cool, moist woods, chiefly north, has thin, shining leaves and soft, hooked hairs on its vagabond seeds. Less dependence seems to be placed on these ineffective hooks to help perpetuate the plant than on the tiny pink bulblets growing at the end of an exceedingly slender thread sent out by the parent roots. AMERICAN SPIKENARD; INDIAN ROOT; SPIGNET (Aralia racemosa) Ginseng family