The stiff edges of the leaves and their rigid bearing are not unlike the needles which carpet the favorite haunts this Aster loves. Though not pleasant to pluck, on account of its harsh texture, this is a very attractive plant to look upon. [Illustration: PINE ASTER: A. linariifolius.] *Variable-leaved Aster.* _Aster undulatus._ Found in dry woods, and thickets, during September. The slender, branching stalk (2 to 3 feet high) is soft, with down, to the touch. Light green in color. Leaning and swaying in gesture. The leaves are very variable in shape, the lowest being decidedly heart-shaped, and set on long margined stems (these margins somewhat notched) that clasp the stalk with shallow wings; above, the leaves are somewhat heart-shaped, and are set on short stems, that clasp the stalk with broad wings; while the upper leaves are set immediately upon the stalk, and clasp it by their prolonged bases. All the leaves have tapering tips, entire, or very slightly, notched margins, with a rough upper surface, while underneath it they are soft-hairy to the touch; they are placed alternately. The color is cool green. The disc flowers are pale yellow at first, but become reddish-brown in maturity. The ray flowers, 10 to 20 in number, are pale lavender or lilac. The heads are arranged in loose clusters. The color of this leafage, and its shapes, are very pleasing. Gray’s _Manual_ states the color of its rays as “bright blue”! [Illustration: VARIABLE-LEAVED ASTER: A. undulatus.] *Later Purple Aster.* _Aster patens._ Found during September and October along the borders of dry woods and thickets. The stalk (from 1 to 2 and ½ feet high) is branching, and leafy, with a fine texture, and smooth surface; slender and swaying in growth. Its color is sometimes green, often a dull reddish-purple. The leaf is long, and narrow, tapering at the tip, and partly clasping the stalk at the base; the margin is slightly rough to the touch, the texture is firm and thick, and the surface is smooth to the touch. Color, a cool dark grayish-green. The arrangement is alternate. The disc flowers are sometimes yellow, or often reddish-violet; the rays, from 20 to 30, are a deep rich violet. The heads are set in vase-shaped green cups, whose parts are overlapping; they are numerous in large terminal clusters. As the flowers mature, the rays curl inward around the disc, and dry thus on the plant; its leafage is very fine in quality, and in beautiful harmony with the rich brilliance of the blossoms. [Illustration: LATER PURPLE ASTER: A. patens.] *Branching Aster.* _Aster cordifolius._ Found in the latter part of September in shaded thickets and on dry banks. The stalk is often about 4 feet high, very widely branching, leafy, and bearing a profusion of flowers; it has a coarse, very rough surface usually. In color reddish.