In March and April, in concealed spots, the sweet-scented VIOLET blows
(_Viola odorata_), filling the air with its sweet fragrance every
morning. The ANEMONE (_Anemone nemerosa_) raises its white flower,
tinged with red, from the midst of three large green leaves. The
WOOD-SORREL (_Oxalis acetosella_), sends out from its root graceful
trifoliate leaves and white blooms traversed by violet veins. In the
hedges and bushes, also, we meet with the ARUM (_Arum maculatum_), the
common wake-robin or lords and ladies. On closely observing this plant,
we shall find rather deep in the earth a tuberous root as large as a
walnut, from which spring three or four long-stalked, bright leaves.
Between the leaves a smooth stem arises six to nine inches high, which
bears at its upper end the blossoms, surrounded by a greenish sheath.
The arum has acrid properties, but its corm yields Portland sago or
arrowroot. In the vicinity of this plant we also find the VALERIAN
(_Valeriana officinalis_), the root of which possesses healing
properties. It contains an oil, which is used as a remedy for cramp.