blooms similar in shape to those of the well-known stemless variety. The yellow flower of C. calceolus is obvious; C. reginae has flowers that are pink, often with purple veins. The Showy Lady's Slipper can be identified from the stemless by leaves that travel up the stalk. The stemless has two leaves at the base.

3. Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria): Flowering in late May to mid-June, this member of the pOPPY (or fumitory) family is easily identified by its white pantaloon shaped flowers (see illustration). The leaves are heavily divided giving them a feathery look, and grow from the base of the plant and not up the flowereé Stalk- omsmmncwuuAuA

4. Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana): Flowering late May to mid June, this low growing member of the purslane family is one of our prettiest spring perennials, often found in rather large patches. The five-petalled flower is pink, with dark pink veins and pink anthers. Leaves are long and grass—like, usually in pairs partway up the stem.

CLAYTONIA CAROLINIANA

1998 SCIENCE FAIR: by Linda Thomas

It was an honour and a pleasure to represent the Natural History Society at the Provincial Science Fair on April 5, 1998. As usual, the participants were bright, lively, and truly inspirational. I must admit, I did sometimes stray from my task of evaluating projects relating to natural history to stop and chat with some young scientists with displays and sales pitches smooth enough to catch and hook any passerby. I was able to supply proof to my speed swimmer son that, yes indeed, race times would be faster if he put on that awful looking bathing cap. I felt much better knowing the sixty dollars I pay for a little bit of a spandex bathing suit does really allow him to swim faster.

I also brought home some interesting methods to discover if our family pet had, like his devoted caregivers, a strong preference to be left handed. I was disappointed to find out our dog was in the majority and right pawed.

I gathered some valuable information on sun screens, also which batteries make the Eveready bunny go the farthest. Grapefruit and laughter are very good for my health. With all this information safely stowed in my shrinking brain, I moved on to the task at hand and talked to a number of young people with projects related to our flora and fauna.

The three projects I chose to be recognized by the Natural History Society were all from the junior category, grades 4-6. All were well done. The young people involved showed enthusiasm and demonstrated knowledge very

9