The leaf is compound, sometimes doubly so, its leaflets long, oval, and sharp-pointed at the tip, with noticeable ribs, finely notched margins, and, when young, a very glossy surface; the foot-stems are 3, and of equal length, forking from the summit of the round, hard-fibred, shining stem. The leaf, when young, is strongly bronze-tinted; as it matures this fades, and leaves it a pleasing light green color; the stem is reddish at the joints, and near the foot. The greenish-white flower is very small, its 5 petals are turned down on the little calyx, and the 5 long stamens are erect and alternate with them. The flowers are set on foot-stems in 3 flat-topped clusters, that are borne on round stems forking from the top of the main flower-stem. The bronzy hue of the leaves companions the unopened buds,--by the time the flower-clusters are fully abloom the dark shining color has changed to green, the leaflets have grown much larger, and spread like a canopy ever the blossoms. [Illustration: WILD SARSAPARILLA: Aralia nudicaulis.] *Spikenard.* _Aralia racemosa._ *Spignet (Vt.).* Found along rich woods and wayside thickets, in blossom in August. A widely branching plant, from 3 to 6 feet high, with a large, strong, round stem; dull gray-black, not unlike willow charcoal in appearance. The very large compound leaf is divided into 3 clusters, each one of which has from 5 to 7 leaflets, on short, curved foot stems; the leaflets are broad, of an irregular oblong shape, with a finely notched margin, and a slightly downy surface. In color a strong full green; with dark stems. The very small flower has its parts in fives, and is greenish white; the flowers are on pale foot-stems and arranged in little round clusters; many small clusters together form the large compound group on the ends of the branches, and from the angles of the upper leaves. In September the plant ripens a small red berry, of a spicy, resinous taste, agreeable to a confirmed wayfarer. The large joints are fitted together with excellent workmanship. This striking plant, with its wide-spreading, vigorous leafage, and dark stems, possesses highly decorative qualities; it is cherished by country folk, however, for the medicinal use they find for the root which is “good for a cough.” [Illustration: SPIKENARD: A. racemosa--½ life size.] DOGWOOD FAMILY. CORNACEÆ. *Bunch-berry.* _Cornus Canadensis._ *Dwarf Cornel.* Found in moist woods in May and June. A small plant from 5 to 7 inches high, with a strong fibred, 4-angled, and deeply grooved, pale green stalk. The broad oval leaf, tapering at both ends, has many deeply-marked ribs; it has a smooth surface, and is of a yellowish-green color. The leaves are set close on the stalk, in a whorl-like cluster of 4 or 6; occasionally a second group occurs below this.