The compound irregular leaf is large: the root-leaves are cut into 7 to 11 divisions, each part again cleft into 3 or 5 parts,--the upper leaves are less compound; the leaflets are long oval, broadest at the base, the margins closely notched, the texture thin, but coarse, the surface smooth, the underside of the upper leaves shining. The color is a dull dark green. The root-leaves are on long stems, while the upper leaves are on shorter stems which clasp the stalk with wing-like membranes; these are grooved, and large, their edges roll together, and meet and lap about the stalk. The leaves are placed alternately, at considerable intervals apart. The tiny flowers are yellow, they spread flat, to show the undeveloped seed-boxes, and are set on thread foot-stems in small, flat-topped, round clusters; these, on long, up-curving stems, form a large spreading cluster, upon a stout stem; they are terminal and from the angles of the leaves; several of these large clusters occur on a plant. “’Twill raise a blister, if you touch it when the dew’s on’t!” says the farmer’s son. It has a strongly acrid odor when broken, a thing which is well-nigh impossible to accomplish. The seeds, shining and very flat discs, add to the decorative qualities of this conspicuous plant. [Illustration: FIELD PARSNIP: Pastinaca sativa.] *Wild Carrot.* _Daucus Carota._ *Queen Ann’s Lace.* Very common by the wayside and in dry fields, blossoming from July through September. The round stalk, from 2 to 3 feet high, coarse in fibre, and roughened by short hairs, is light yellow-green in color. The leaf has a very fringy effect, being much cut up into long narrow lobes; the surface is roughened; and the short foot-stem widens into a leafy, clasping sheath. The yellowish-green, alternate leaves are few, and far between. The petal-like parts of the small clustered flowers are unequal in size and number,--three or four of the outer flowers in each cluster are larger than the rest; the color is white, with tiny yellow-tipped stamens. The flowers have pale green foot-stems, and grow in flat-topped clusters, each cluster being set around at the foot with a green leafy fringe. In the center of the cluster is often found a single dark purple flower. Though the growth is sprangly, and the stem coarse, yet the flower is delicate with a lace-like quality. The seed-stems, curling inward, form a hollow, nest-like cup, from which characteristic it is often called the “Bird’s-nest plant.” It is deemed a great pest by farmers. [Illustration: WILD CARROT: Daucus Carota.] GINSENG FAMILY. ARALIACEÆ. *Wild Sarsaparilla.* _Aralia nudicaulis._ Found on moist hillsides, and along thickets, in May. The root sends up one tall leaf-bearing stem, from 12 to 15 inches in height, and beside it a short flower-stem.