The leaf is compound, each part being set on a slender, rather long stem; the leaflets are small, broad, heart-shaped at the base, and 2- or 3-lobed near the tip; the texture is exceedingly fine, and smooth to the touch; the color is a dark grayish-green. The leaves form a whorl about the summit of the stalk, from which the flower-stems rise. The flower is formed of 5 to 8 petal-like calyx-parts, which are oval, slightly convex, of a fine and delicate texture; in color, white, tinged with pale pink. The stamens are many, small, and orange yellow; the several pistils gathered in the center are green. The flowers are poised on slender stems, in groups, generally of 3, springing from the leaf-whorl. The flowers and leaves rise from the earth together, the undeveloped flower, with bowed head, enfolded by the leaflets; as the plant pushes upward the blossoms grow, the central one developing first, the side ones later. At first the stamens and pistils are gathered together in a close green ball in the middle,--when the central flower has shaken out its yellow-tipped stamens fully, the side flowers begin to grow; thus the plant stays in bloom a long time--nearly two weeks. [Illustration: RUE ANEMONE: Anemonella thalictroides.] *Goldthread.* _Coptis trifolia._ Found during May in moist woods. The root sends up flowers and leaves on stems from 3 to 5 inches high. The leaf is compound with 3 small leaflets that are wedge-shaped, with notched margins, tough texture, and smooth, shining surface; it is set on a long slender stem. Evergreen, and of a dark green color. The flower is small; of 5 or 7 narrow, tapering calyx-parts that are a fine silvery-white color. The true petals are inconspicuous and easily confused with the numerous stamens and pistils. The flower-stem is long and slender. This has a shining flower and leaf. The bright yellow thread-like roots give it its common name. [Illustration: GOLDTHREAD: Coptis trifolia.] *Cohosh.* _Actæa spicata, var. rubra._ *Red Baneberry.* Found in the woods during May. The small round smooth stalk branches near the top, and grows about 2 feet high. It is green, with a cool gray-white bloom. The leaf is rather large, and compound, being 2 or 3 times divided; the leaflets are oval, taper-pointed, and set on long, grooved, shining foot-stems; the margin is prettily toothed, with an occasional deep notch, the ribs and veins show like a fine network, the texture is loose, with a noticeable softness to the touch, the surface is shining; the color green. The leaf is set immediately upon the stalk. The flower is very small; 4 to 10 white petals with oval tips and very slender bases; the many delicate, white stamens, with yellow tips, are longer than the petals. The flowers are arranged in a large, loose, round or club-shaped spike, on a long smooth stem, that springs from the junction of the leaf.