The large leaf in general shape resembles a maple leaf, with 3 or 5 lobes, a tapering point, and a toothed margin; the ribs and veins form a strongly-marked network, the texture is loose, and the surface is somewhat rough. The color is a strong, full-toned, yellowish-green. The leaves are alternate in growth, and are set on long stems. The large flower is rather like a Rose in appearance, with 5 large, rounded petals, and many light yellow stamens forming a ring around the center. The color of the freshly opened petals is a deep, bright crimson, becoming pale, and duller with time. The 5-parted, light green calyx is covered with small, sticky, red hairs, and the flower-stems are also sticky. They grow in loose clusters, from the ends of the branches. On cool or cloudy days the blossoms show a deep clear color, not to be discerned on hot days which speedily change them to a light bluish-pink. The fruit resembles that of the red raspberry, though it is a much shallower cup shape; the plant continues flowering after the berries begin to ripen. The bush is large and shrubby in growth, with many leaves. [Illustration: PURPLE FLOWERING RASPBERRY: R. odoratus.] *Meadow Sweet.* _Spiræa salicifolia._ *Queen of the Meadows.* Found in thickets, and along moist banks, during July and August. The bushy stalk bears many branches, and is very leafy; between 2 and 3 feet in height; it is round, strong and firm-fibred, and covered with a very thin, fine bark of a beautiful, glossy, golden-bronze hue. The pretty leaf is oval, with a pointed tip, and finely notched margin; the ribs are prominent underneath, the texture is firm, the upper surface is smooth, while it is slightly rough underneath. In color it is a full green, lighter somewhat underneath, the midrib pale. The leaves are set on short up-springing stems, and the arrangement is close and alternate. The small petals are 5 in number, shell-like, and pinkish-white; there are many rosy stamens; the calyx is small, 5-parted, and pale green. The flowers are set on thread foot-stems in little loose spires, that form a large, leafy terminal spire. Like the Hardhack (_S. tomentosa_) the leaves turn upward, with a little arch in the stem; the central flower-spire blossoms first. The plant has a great elegance of line, and some of its details are admirable, such as the color of the stalk, and the especially pretty light brown seed-spires; the bark frequently splits into long shreds. The blossoms are fragrant. [Illustration: MEADOW SWEET: Spiræa salicifolia.] *Steeple-bush.* _Spiræe tomentosa._ *Steeple-top.* *Hardhack.* Found in open pastures, hillsides and lanes, during July and August. The stalk bears prim branches, and is very leafy; woody-fibred, and strong, the surface being woolly. Pinkish-brown in color.