Before laying them on the table, Uncle George washed the soil from their roots at the tap.
“Now then,” he said, “let me see how much you remember of our lesson in the woods. I will begin with Dolly”—and Uncle George held up a lovely white flower.
“That,” said little Dolly, “is the wooden enemy!”
Uncle George laughed loudly, and so did the two boys. Dolly laughed too—she did not quite know why. She was a merry little girl, who laughed whenever she got the chance.
“You mean wood anemone, dear, don’t you?” said Uncle George, as he stroked her pretty curly hair.
“Yes, I mean that, Uncle George; but I can’t say it properly,” said Dolly, still laughing.
“Oh yes, you can if you try—wood a-nem´-o-ne. It is easily pronounced. Now Frank, it is your turn. What is this one with the great number of yellow petals, the spotted heart-shaped leaves, and the funny fat roots?”
“The pilewort, or lesser celandine,” answered Frank.
“Quite right! Now, Tom, here is one for you. This plant, you see, has broad kidney-shaped leaves with crimped edges, large yellow flowers, and a coarse round hollow stem. We found it, if you remember, growing in the mud at the edge of the brook.”
