Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 December 1883 — The Artillery Flower. [ARTICLE]

The Artillery Flower.

While strolling through John Pearson’s greenhouse, a Jersey City reporter obsrrved a handsome fern-like plant that, attracted his attention. The proprietor informed the scribe that it was the, piles, or artillery flower, and he explained how the name was given to ths p'ant. Breaking off a branch covered with small red buds he flipped it in a tub of water, and then held it in the sun. In a few moments one of the buds burst, throwing into the air the pollen, in the shape of a small cloud of dust. It was followed by another and am other, until the branch resembled a miniature battle-field, pufls of smoke, apparently, being seen in every portion

of the plant. As each bud blossomed, it assumed the shape of a Geneva cross, which, under a magnifying glass, presented a beautiful appearance. The plant is not generally known.