one. Several of these species occur in the northern United
States and Canada, east of the Rocky Mountains, which are found in the
state of Minnesota. It is called the Moccasin flower because it
resembles the Indian shoe. This plant grows preferably in cool and moist
woods or in bogs. It flowers principally during the months of May and
June. The varieties differ in color, being deep red, pink, yellow, white
and variegated. All of the species, however, are very beautiful.

The varieties more commonly found in Minnesota are, Acaule, rose purple;
Candidum, small white; Arietinum, red and white; Parviflorum, small
yellow; Pubescens, large yellow; and Spectabile, description of which is
as follows: Plants stout, leaves oval, acute; sepals, roundish, white;
petals, oblong, white; labellum, white or pale pink purple. Very showy.

It is unfortunate that the Minnesota State Flower does not take kindly
to civilization and cultivation, as it is very difficult to transplant.
About ten years ago at Lake City, Minnesota, we tried to propagate the
moccasin flower. We dug the roots and transplanted them in ground
especially prepared in a nearby grove where we could watch their
development, but the plants were a failure.

A state flower should be one of the common flowers of the state, so
familiar to all, that its name would suggest a picture of the flower
itself. Probably not 10 per cent of the people of the state have ever
seen it. On this account it is to be regretted that this variety was
chosen as the flower emblem of the state. A state flower, like the state
flag, should be accessible and familiar to everyone, and yet, probably,
the state flag of Minnesota is a stranger to many residents of the
state, for Minnesota did not have a state flag until 1893.

An emblem should mean something to the individual. The family coat of
arms and the iron cross are distinctive emblems. The shamrock in
sentiment is as dear to an Irishman as his native land. If an emblem
means something to the individual, how much more it ought to mean to the
state and nation.

The flag is an emblem of loyalty and patriotism. Men fight for it. They
lay down their lives for it because it stands for home and country. I
fancy if men did not know what the flag looked like, the fight would
not be a very fierce one. Do you know what the state flag of Minnesota
looks like? A description of it can be found in the Legislative Manual
for 1915. This flag bears a wreath of