The leaf-stems and flower-stems rise from the ground to the height of 4 or 6 inches. The leaf is heart-shaped, and 3-lobed, of a tough, strong fibre that often survives the winter. Its color is dark green above and dull violet beneath. The beautiful flower is composed of 6 to 9 petal-like calyx-parts, of an oval shape, and thin texture, whose color varies from light to dark violet, and from lavender-tinted white to a very pink-lavender, or lilac; the stamens are many, and thread-like, and of a pale straw color. Close beneath the flower are 3 reddish-brown, downy little leaves, bearing the semblance of a calyx. The flower is set on a slender, very downy stem, which springs from amidst the leaves. The harmony of color in this plant as seen in the flower and leaf is striking, a preponderance of violet showing throughout. It is very downy, the young leaves being covered with long silky hairs. The numerous half-opened flowers and buds are slightly nodding, but become more erect when fully spread in the sunlight. The Hepatica is often frequented by small lavender butterflies, in size and color resembling the blossoms,--when they rise and flutter in the soft spring air, it is as though the flowers themselves are taking flight. [Illustration: HEPATICA: Hepatica triloba.] *Marsh Marigold.* _Caltha palustris._ *Cowslips.* Found in late April and early May, in swamps or wet meadows, with its roots in the water. The branching stalk, from 6 to 10 inches in height, is thick, stout, hollow and juicy, and grooved at the joints; its color is a shining light green. The leaf is very broad, almost round, with a heart-shaped base, the margin finely cut in slight scallops; the texture is thin but leathery, while the surface is smooth and glossy; the color is dark green. The leaf is set at the junction of the flower-stem with the stalk. The flower has 5 (or more) rounded petal-like calyx-parts, of a delicate texture that shows a few veins on the inside; it is shaped like a shallow cup and colored a beautiful polished yellow, tinged with green; the many stamens are yellow; the pistils form a conspicuous fringy center. Two or three flowers, on simple, or sometimes leafy foot-stems, form a terminal group. The buds are round and quite green, turning yellow as they grow; the blossom opens very wide, and is slightly odorous,--it is in marked contrast to the coarser stem and leaf, which have a sprangly gesture. The first sunshine flower of spring. [Illustration: MARSH MARIGOLD: Caltha palustris.] *Wind Flower.* _Anemone nemorosa._ *Wood Anemone.* Found in thickets that yet are open to the sun, in early May or perhaps late in April. The single stem, about 6 inches in height, is round and smooth and green, showing purple at the foot. It bears a whorl of leaves about midway its height, and a single flower upon its summit.