(Plate LI.)

Family

Figwort.

Colour

Bright, brick red.

Odour

Scentless.

Range

West of Minnesota.

Time of Bloom

Summer.

Flowers: solitary; axillary. Calyx: prism-shaped; five-toothed. Corolla: funnel-formed; two-lipped. Stamens: four. Pistil: one. Leaves: opposite; clasping: oblong; serrated. Stent: one to two feet high; rather clammy.

If possible, the M. cardinalis is even more impertinent than the M. ringens. It is not quite so prankish, as its vermilion red could not easily be mistaken for that of any other flower; but it has its lower lip thrust out as though it were making faces at one. In fact, its manners in this respect are so bad that we have quite a mind to pry into its up bringing. Then we remember that it is one of the figworts and they are a family that look as they please.