An illustration of dyer's weed.

Dyer's Weed

An illustration of dyer's weed.

Convolvulus is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the bindweed family Convolvulaceae, with a cosmopolitan distribution. Common names include bindweed and morning glory, both names shared with other closely related genera. They are annual or perennial herbaceous vines and (a few species) woody shrubs, growing to 0.3-3 m tall. The leaves are spirally arranged, and the flowers trumpet-shaped, mostly white or pink, but blue, violet, purple or yellow in some species. Many of the species are problematic weeds, which can swamp other more valuable plants by climbing over them, but some are also deliberately grown for their attractive flowers. However, some other species are globally threatened.

Bindweed

Convolvulus is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the bindweed family Convolvulaceae,…

Sumac is any one of approximately 250 species of flowering plants in the genus Rhus and related genera, in the family Anacardiaceae. The dried berries of some species are ground to produce a tangy purple spice often used in juice. Sumacs grow in subtropical and warm temperate regions throughout the world, especially in North America. Sumacs are shrubs and small trees that can reach a height of 1-10 meters. The leaves are spirally arranged; they are usually pinnately compound, though some species have trifoliate or simple leaves.

Tanner's Sumac Branch

Sumac is any one of approximately 250 species of flowering plants in the genus Rhus and related genera,…

Cirsium arvense is a species of Cirsium, native throughout Europe and northern Asia, and widely introduced elsewhere. The standard English name in its native area is Creeping Thistle. It is a tall herbaceous perennial plant, forming extensive clonal colonies from an underground root system that sends up numerous erect stems each spring, reaching 1–1.2 m tall (occasionally more); the stems often lie partly flat by summer but can stay erect if supported by other vegetation. The leaves are very spiny, lobed, up to 15–20 cm long and 2–3 cm broad (smaller on the upper part of the flower stem). The inflorescence is 10–22 mm diameter, pink-purple, with all the florets of similar form (no division into disc and ray florets). The flowers are usually dioecious, but not invariably so, with some plants bearing hermaphrodite flowers. The seeds are 4–5 mm long, with a feathery pappus which assists in wind dispersal.

Canada Thistle

Cirsium arvense is a species of Cirsium, native throughout Europe and northern Asia, and widely introduced…

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a highly branched, herbaceous, thistle-like annual, usually with many long sharp spines on the leaves. Plants are 30 to 150 cm tall with globular flower heads (capitula) and commonly, brilliant yellow, orange or red flowers which bloom in July. Each branch will usually have from one to five flower heads containing 15 to 20 seeds per head. Safflower has a strong taproot which enables it to thrive in dry climates, but the plant is very susceptible to frost injury from stem elongation to maturity.

Safflower

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a highly branched, herbaceous, thistle-like annual, usually with…

"a, scroll-wheel, intermeshing with the pinion b, which, sliding by a feather on the shaft, c, imparts a gradually decreasing velocity to the latter as b is moved toward the center of a." -Whitney, 1911

Scroll Wheel

"a, scroll-wheel, intermeshing with the pinion b, which, sliding by a feather on the shaft, c, imparts…

"The inflorescence of Maryland Figwort (Scrophularia Marylandica). a, the flower; b, the fruit; c, a seed; d, a leaf." -Whitney, 1911

Maryland Figwort

"The inflorescence of Maryland Figwort (Scrophularia Marylandica). a, the flower; b, the fruit; c, a…

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a plant species in the genus Foeniculum (treated as the sole species in the genus by most botanists). It is a hardy, perennial, umbelliferous herb, with yellow flowers and feathery leaves, grows wild in most parts of temperate Europe, but is generally considered indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean, whence it spreads eastwards to India and even in England in Bedfont Lakes Country Park and Thurrock . It has followed, especially where Romans have colonized, and may be found growing wild in many parts of the world upon dry soils near the sea-coast and upon river-banks. It is a member of the family Apiaceae. It is a highly aromatic and flavorful herb with culinary and medicinal uses, and is one of the primary ingredients of absinthe. Fennel is used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the Mouse Moth and the Anise Swallowtail.

Fennel

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a plant species in the genus Foeniculum (treated as the sole species…

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium; syn. Chrysanthemum parthenium) is a traditional medicinal herb which is found in many old gardens, and is also occasionally grown for ornament. The plant grows into a small bush up to around 18 inches high, with citrus-scented leaves and is covered by flowers reminiscent of daisies. It spreads rapidly, and they will cover a wide area after a few years. Feverfew has been used for reducing fever, for treating headaches, arthritis and digestive problems. It is hypothesized that by inhibiting the release of serotonin and prostaglandins, both of which are believed to aid the onset of migraines, feverfew limits the inflammation of blood vessels in the head. This would, in theory, stop the blood vessel spasm which is believed to contribute to headaches.

Feverfew

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium; syn. Chrysanthemum parthenium) is a traditional medicinal herb which…

Flax (also known as common flax or linseed) (binomial name: Linum usitatissimum) is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India and was probably first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. Flax is an erect annual plant growing to 1.2 m tall, with slender stems. The leaves are glaucous green, slender lanceolate, 20–40 mm long and 3 mm broad. The flowers are pure pale blue, 15–25 mm diameter, with five petals; they can also be bright red. The fruit is a round, dry capsule 5–9 mm diameter, containing several glossy brown seeds shaped like an apple pip, 4–7 mm long.

Flax

Flax (also known as common flax or linseed) (binomial name: Linum usitatissimum) is a member of the…

An illustration of a sea fern fossil from the carboniferous period. The Carboniferous is a geologic period and system that extends from the end of the Devonian period, about 359.2 ± 2.5 Ma (million years ago), to the beginning of the Permian period, about 299.0 ± 0.8 Ma.

Sea Fern Fossil

An illustration of a sea fern fossil from the carboniferous period. The Carboniferous is a geologic…

"Sea-walls. A. Plymouth (England) breakwater; a, a, level of the top; b, b, low water at spring tide; c, bottom; d, foreshore; e, sea-slope; f, top." -Whitney, 1911

Plymouth Breakwater

"Sea-walls. A. Plymouth (England) breakwater; a, a, level of the top; b, b, low water at spring tide;…

"B. Sea-dike: e, the sea-bottom; a, rubble; b, core; c, facing of stone; d, sea-level." -Whitney, 1911

Sea-Dike

"B. Sea-dike: e, the sea-bottom; a, rubble; b, core; c, facing of stone; d, sea-level." -Whitney, 1911

'C and D. Sectional diagrams of inclosure of Zuid Plas, near Rotterdam, Holland." -Whitney, 1911

Zuidplas

'C and D. Sectional diagrams of inclosure of Zuid Plas, near Rotterdam, Holland." -Whitney, 1911

'C and D. Sectional diagrams of inclosure of Zuid Plas, near Rotterdam, Holland." -Whitney, 1911

Zuidplas

'C and D. Sectional diagrams of inclosure of Zuid Plas, near Rotterdam, Holland." -Whitney, 1911

"E. Dutch polder-bank, consisting of sheet-piling with earth filling, and an apron of rubble on the side toward the sea." -Whitney, 1911

Polder

"E. Dutch polder-bank, consisting of sheet-piling with earth filling, and an apron of rubble on the…

"F. Wall of sheet-piling at Havre, France, with earth embankment behind the piles." -Whitney, 1911

Sheet Piling

"F. Wall of sheet-piling at Havre, France, with earth embankment behind the piles." -Whitney, 1911

An illustration of a sea-lily fossil.

Sea-lily

An illustration of a sea-lily fossil.

An illustration of a complete bean sprout including roots.

Bean Sprout

An illustration of a complete bean sprout including roots.

An illustration of a pea sprout including the roots.

Pea Sprout

An illustration of a pea sprout including the roots.

An illustration of a small corn plant including the roots.

Corn Sprout

An illustration of a small corn plant including the roots.

Oarweed or Tangle (Laminaria digitata) is a species of kelp common to the British Isles and Northeast America.

Oarweed

Oarweed or Tangle (Laminaria digitata) is a species of kelp common to the British Isles and Northeast…

Oarweed or Kelp (Laminaria longicruris) is a species of kelp common to Northeast America.

Oarweed

Oarweed or Kelp (Laminaria longicruris) is a species of kelp common to Northeast America.

The Northern Singlespike Sedge (Carex scirpoidea): 1, male; 2, female.

Northern Singlespike

The Northern Singlespike Sedge (Carex scirpoidea): 1, male; 2, female.

3, The Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) and 4, the Fringed Sedge (Carex crinita).

Fox Sedge and Fringed Sedge

3, The Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) and 4, the Fringed Sedge (Carex crinita).

An illustration of a guava plant.

Guava Plant

An illustration of a guava plant.

An illustration of the flower (a) and the fruit (b) of the gutta-percha. Gutta-percha (Palaquium) is a genus of tropical trees native to Southeast Asia and northern Australasia, from Taiwan south to Malaya and east to the Solomon Islands. It is also an inelastic natural latex produced from the sap of these trees. The word 'gutta-percha' comes from the plant's name in Malay, getah perca, which translates as "percha rubber".

Gutta-percha

An illustration of the flower (a) and the fruit (b) of the gutta-percha. Gutta-percha (Palaquium) is…

The heliotropes (Heliotropium) is a genus of plants in the family Boraginaceae with 250 to 300 species. The name "heliotrope" derives from the fact that these plants turn their leaves to the sun. Helios is Greek for "sun", tropein means "to turn". The old English name "turnsole" has the same etymology.

Heliotropium

The heliotropes (Heliotropium) is a genus of plants in the family Boraginaceae with 250 to 300 species.…

Northern Water Hemlock is a species of Cicuta, native to northern and central Europe, northern Asia and northwestern North America. It is a perennial herbaceous plant which grows up to 1–2 m tall. The stems are smooth, branching, swollen at the base, purple-striped, and hollow except for partitions at the junction of the leaves and stem. In cross section the stems have one flat side and the other sides are rounded. The leaves are alternate, tripinnate, only coarsely toothed, unlike the ferny, lacy leaves found in many other members of the family Apiaceae. The flowers are small, white and clustered in umbrella shaped inflorescences typical of the family. The many flowered umbellets have unequal pedicels that range from 5 to 11 cm long during fruiting. An oily, yellow liquid oozes from cuts to the stems and roots.

Northern Water Hemlock

Northern Water Hemlock is a species of Cicuta, native to northern and central Europe, northern Asia…

An illustration of the common hemp plant. Hemp (from Old English hænep) is the common name for plants of the entire genus Cannabis, although the term is often used to refer only to Cannabis strains cultivated for industrial (non-drug) use.

Hemp

An illustration of the common hemp plant. Hemp (from Old English hænep) is the common name for…

A, crepidoma or stylobate; B, column; C, architrave; D, tænia; E, frieze; F, horizontal cornice; G, raking cornice; H, tympanum of pediment; K, metope.In this and other cuts of this order, only the upper and lower parts of the shaft are shown, the intervening and greater part of the shaft being omitted, to save space.

Greek Doric Order

A, crepidoma or stylobate; B, column; C, architrave; D, tænia; E, frieze; F, horizontal cornice;…

An illustration of the hop plant. Humulus, (hop) is a small genus of flowering plants, native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The female flowers of one species are called hops, and are used as flavoring and stabilizers, especially for brewing beer. The hop is part of the family Cannabaceae, which also includes the genus Cannabis (hemp).

Hop

An illustration of the hop plant. Humulus, (hop) is a small genus of flowering plants, native to the…

An illustration of a female hop aphid. Aphids, also known as plant lice (and in Britain as greenflies), are small plant-eating insects, and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on Earth.

Hop Aphid (Female)

An illustration of a female hop aphid. Aphids, also known as plant lice (and in Britain as greenflies),…

An illustration a hop aphid in larval form. Aphids, also known as plant lice (and in Britain as greenflies), are small plant-eating insects, and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on Earth.

Hop Aphid (Larva)

An illustration a hop aphid in larval form. Aphids, also known as plant lice (and in Britain as greenflies),…

Cynoglossum officinale (hound's tongue, dog's tongue, gypsy flower, and rats and mice due to its smell) is a herbaceous plant of the family Boraginaceae, found in most parts of Europe, and also North America where it was accidentally introduced. It can be either annual or biennial, with reddish-purple flowers blooming between May and September. It lives in wet places, waste land and hedges.

Hound's Tongue

Cynoglossum officinale (hound's tongue, dog's tongue, gypsy flower, and rats and mice due to its smell)…

An illustration showing a "floral diagram of [the' Viola [plant], showing arrangement of parts in horizontal plan. b, pair of bractoeles below the flower; s, sepals; p, petals; st, stamens; o, ovary" (Britannica, 102).

Viola Diagram

An illustration showing a "floral diagram of [the' Viola [plant], showing arrangement of parts in horizontal…

An illustration of a dog violet plant and it's fruit. Viola canina (Heath Dog-violet or Heath Violet) is a species of the genus Viola, native to Europe, where it is found in heaths, fens, and moist woodlands, especially on acidic soils.

Dog Violet

An illustration of a dog violet plant and it's fruit. Viola canina (Heath Dog-violet or Heath Violet)…

Two seizings, a class of knots used to bind two parts of the same rope or to another object.

Seizing

Two seizings, a class of knots used to bind two parts of the same rope or to another object.

The fertile plant of the Resurrection Plant (Selaginella lepidophylla), a spikemoss which lives in deserts.

Resurrection Plant

The fertile plant of the Resurrection Plant (Selaginella lepidophylla), a spikemoss which lives in deserts.

"Self-heal. (Prunella vulgaris). The upper part of the stem with flowers. a, the calyx; b, the corolla; c, a leaf; d, a bract from the inflorescence." -Whitney, 1911

Self-Heal

"Self-heal. (Prunella vulgaris). The upper part of the stem with flowers. a, the calyx; b, the corolla;…

"Flowering branch of Senna (Cassia obovata). a, a pod." -Whitney, 1911

Senna

"Flowering branch of Senna (Cassia obovata). a, a pod." -Whitney, 1911

"a, flower of Caltha palustris, showing the petaloid sepals s." -Whitney, 1911

Kingcup

"a, flower of Caltha palustris, showing the petaloid sepals s." -Whitney, 1911

"b, one of the sepals" of the flower of Caltha palustris, or Kingcup. -Whitney, 1911

Kingcup Sepal

"b, one of the sepals" of the flower of Caltha palustris, or Kingcup. -Whitney, 1911

"c, flower of Cerastium longipedunculatum, seen from below: s, a sepal." -Whitney, 1911

Nodding Chickweed

"c, flower of Cerastium longipedunculatum, seen from below: s, a sepal." -Whitney, 1911

"d, calyx, showing the five free sepals" of the Nodding Chickweed (Cerastium nutans) -Whitney, 1911

Nodding Chickweed

"d, calyx, showing the five free sepals" of the Nodding Chickweed (Cerastium nutans) -Whitney, 1911

Yam is the common name for some species in the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae).These are perennial herbaceous vines cultivated for the consumption of their starchy tubers in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania. There are hundreds of cultivars among the cultivated species. The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) has traditionally been referred to as a "yam" in parts of the southern United States and Canada even though it is not part of the Dioscoreaceae family. The vegetable has a rough skin which is difficult to peel, but which softens after heating. The skins vary in color from dark brown to light pink

Yam

Yam is the common name for some species in the genus Dioscorea (family Dioscoreaceae).These are perennial…

An illustration of an ivy plant with the fruit and flower.

Ivy

An illustration of an ivy plant with the fruit and flower.

Hedera (English name ivy, plural ivies) is a genus of 15 species of climbing or ground-creeping evergreen woody plants in the family Araliaceae, native to the Atlantic Islands, western, central and southern Europe, northwestern Africa and across central-southern Asia east to Japan. On suitable surfaces (trees and rock faces), they are able to climb to at least 25–30 metres above the basal ground level.

Hedera colchica

Hedera (English name ivy, plural ivies) is a genus of 15 species of climbing or ground-creeping evergreen…

Jasminum grandiflorum (chameli in Hindi) is a species of jasmine native to South Asia. In India, its leaves are widely used as an Ayurvedic herbal medicine and its flowers are used to adorn the coiffure of women. In Pakistan, it grows wild in the Salt Range and Rawalpindi District at 500-1500 m altitude. It is closely related to, and sometimes treated as merely a form of, Jasminum officinale. It is a scrambling deciduous shrub growing to 2–4 m tall. The leaves are opposite, 5–12 cm long, pinnate with 5–11 leaflets. The flowers are produced in open cymes, the individual flowers are white having corolla with a basal tube 13–25 mm long and five lobes 13–22 mm long. The flower's fragrance is unique and sweet. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in warm temperate and subtropical regions.

Jasminum grandiflorum

Jasminum grandiflorum (chameli in Hindi) is a species of jasmine native to South Asia. In India, its…

An illustrative view of the soft rush. 1, plant; 2, inflorescence; 3, end of branch of inflorescence; 4, flower; 5, fruit; 6, seed; and 7, seed.  Soft rush (Juncus effusus) is a member of the Juncus genus found growing in wet areas.

Soft Rush

An illustrative view of the soft rush. 1, plant; 2, inflorescence; 3, end of branch of inflorescence;…

"Cat's-paw - Twist up two parts of a lanyard in opposite directions and hook the tackle in the eyes...A piece of wood should be placed between the parts at g. A large lanyard should be clove-hitched round a large toggle and strap passed round it below the toggle." -Britannica, 1910

Cat's-paw

"Cat's-paw - Twist up two parts of a lanyard in opposite directions and hook the tackle in the eyes...A…

"Marling-spike Hitch -- Lay the end a over c; fold the loop over on the standing part b; then pass the marline-spike through, over both parts of the bight and under the prt b. Used for tightening each turn of a seizing." -Britannica, 1910

Marling-spike Hitch

"Marling-spike Hitch -- Lay the end a over c; fold the loop over on the standing part b; then pass the…

"Sheet Bend -- Pass the end of one rope though the bight of another, round both parts of the other, and under its own standing part. Used for bending small sheets to the clews of sails, which present bights ready for the hitch. An ordinary net is composed of a series of sheet bends. A weaver's knot is made like a sheet bend." -Britannica, 1910

Sheet Bend

"Sheet Bend -- Pass the end of one rope though the bight of another, round both parts of the other,…

"Double Wall and Double Crown -- Form a single wall crowned; let the ends follow their own parts round until all the parts appear double. Put the ends down through the knot." -Britannica, 1910

Double Wall and Double Crown

"Double Wall and Double Crown -- Form a single wall crowned; let the ends follow their own parts round…

"Inside Clinch -- The end is bent close round the standing part till it forms a circle and a half, when it is securely seized at a, b, and c, thus making a running eye; when taut round anything it jams the end. It is used for securing hemp cables to anchors, the standing parts of topsail sheets, and for many other purposes. If the eye were formed outside the bight an outside clinch would be made, depending entirely on the seizings, but more ready for slipping." -Britannica, 1910

Inside Clinch

"Inside Clinch -- The end is bent close round the standing part till it forms a circle and a half, when…

The Sea-Fir (Sertularia tubitheca) is mistaken as a plant but is actual a hydrozoan animal of the phylum Cnidaria.

Sea-Fir

The Sea-Fir (Sertularia tubitheca) is mistaken as a plant but is actual a hydrozoan animal of the phylum…

The English treated woodwork with consummate skill. They invented and developed a variety of forms of roof-truss in which the proper distribution of the strains was combined with a highly decorative treatment of the several parts by carving, moulding, and arcading. The ceiling surfaces between the trusses were handled decoratively, and the oaken open-timber ceilings of many of the English churches and civic of academic halls are such noble and beautiful works as quite to justify the substitution of wooden for vaulted ceilings.

Roof of Nave, St. Mary's, Westonzoyland

The English treated woodwork with consummate skill. They invented and developed a variety of forms of…

"Shroud Knot -- Pass a stop at such a distance from each end of the broken shroud as to afford sufficient length of strands, when it is unlaid, to form a single wall knot on each side after the parts have been married." -Britannica, 1910

Shroud Knot

"Shroud Knot -- Pass a stop at such a distance from each end of the broken shroud as to afford sufficient…

"Grummet-Stop -- Made by unlaying a piece of rope of the desired size about a foot more that three times the length required for the strop. Place the centre of the open round the block and thimble; mark with chalk where the parts cross; take one strand out of the rope; bring the two chalk marks together; and cross the strand in the lay on both sides, continuing round and round till the two ends meet the third time; they are then halved, and the upper halves half-knotted and passed over and under the next strands, exactly as one part of a long splice." -Britannica, 1910

Grummet-Strop

"Grummet-Stop -- Made by unlaying a piece of rope of the desired size about a foot more that three times…

"Double Strop -- Made with one piece of rope, the splice being brought as usual to the crown of the block t, the bights fitting into scores with some inches apart, converging to the upper part, above which the thimble receives the bights, a,a; and the four parts of the strop are secured at s, s, by a round seizing double crossed." -Britanncia, 1910

Double Strop

"Double Strop -- Made with one piece of rope, the splice being brought as usual to the crown of the…