Quite eclipsed by the gorgeous hues of the floral leaves and calices, the paler flower hides its head, its long pistil alone claiming attention. The exact marking of the vivid scarlet upon the tips makes the folk-name “Paintbrush” more applicable to its general aspect, than that of “Painted Cup,” which of course only applies to the effect of the single calyx. In some localities the color is not scarlet, but yellow, it is reported. The plant is called a parasite by the botanists: it therefore may not be transplanted but glows in splendid patches of color in favorite camps of its own choosing. [Illustration: INDIAN PAINT-BRUSH: Castilleia coccinea.] *Thyme-leaved Speedwell.* _Veronica serpyllifolia._ *Paul’s Betony.* Found, from May to July, in grassy fields, and along roadsides. Many branches, varying from 3 to 7 inches in length, spring from the root, and lie on the ground (sometimes rooting so), their tips lifted erect among the grass blades; its growth is slender, leafy, firm of fibre, and smooth. Color green. The small leaf is oval, with an entire, or slightly irregular, margin, prominent midrib, and smooth surface. In color, a cool green; the leaves, on short stems, are placed in pairs, near together,--at the end of the branch they become crowded. The corolla is small, and resembles that of the Brooklime; delicate in texture and in color pure white, or streaked with lavender, or blue. The points of the 4-parted green calyx just show between the lobes of the flower. The two stamens are lavender tipped. The flowers, on small foot-stems, spring from the angles of the leaves for a considerable distance along the ends of the branches. Contrary to the usual habit of the Speedwells these flowers do not fall immediately after they are picked. [Illustration: THYME-LEAVED SPEEDWELL: Veronica serpyllifolia.] *American Brooklime.* _Veronica Americana._ Found by roadside runlets, and meadow brooks, in June and July. The rather large stalk, sometimes creeps and then lifts itself to the height of 10 or 15 inches; it is hollow, juicy, and fine-fibred, and smooth. Pale green in color. The long, oval leaf has a grooved midrib and slightly notched margin; it is juicy, and smooth. In color light green. The leaves, on short broad flat stems, that clasp the stalk, are placed in pairs, at right angles to each other. The little circular corolla is cut into 4 scallops, of which 3 are round-pointed and of equal size, while the fourth is narrower and a trifle longer; the texture is delicate. The color is very pretty, a lavender-blue with slightly darker markings,--the center is white; the 2 stamens are pale purple. The calyx is 4-parted, the divisions narrow and pointed; green. The flowers, set on thread-stems, are placed in little, loose, terminal spires.