Rub one of these gently, and it will give forth a most peculiar perfume--aromatic, and not to be compared with anything else; the tansy once scented will always be recognised.
The large rough leaves of the wild comfrey grow in bunches here and there; the leaves are attached to the stem for part of their length, and the stem is curiously flanged.

The bells are often greenish, sometimes white, occasionally faintly lilac; they are partly hidden under the dark-green leaves.

Where undisturbed the comfrey grows to a great size, the stems becoming very thick.

Green flags hide and almost choke the shallow mouth of a streamlet that joins the brook coming from the woods.

Though green above, the flag where it enters its sheath is white.
Tracing it upwards, the brook becomes narrower and the stream less, though running more swiftly; and here there is a marshy spot with willows, and between them some bulrushes and great bunches of bullpolls.