120 FLORA IIISTORICA. 



modes of doubling its flowers. It is sometimes 

 seen doubled by the multiplication of the petals, 

 to the exclusion of the nectaries ; at others, by the 

 increase of the nectaries, to the exclusion of the 

 petals ; and frequently by the multiplication of 

 the nectaries, while the proper petals remain. It 

 also sports exceedingly in its dyes, as the seeds 

 from one plant frequently produce great varieties 

 of colour, from a white to a rich claret, or from 

 white to blue, even to purple, and in the same 

 rotation from white to rose-colour, frequently 

 blotched with two or three hues, and sometimes 

 with the nectaries of various colours, which adds to 

 the airiness of its appearance. On the whole, it 

 seems to have been formed by Flora in her most 

 fantastic humour ; and displays a graceful though 

 rustic negligence, not exceeded by any flower on the 

 parterre. 



The Columbine sends up stems three feet in 

 heio-ht, therefore care should be taken not to plant 

 it before dwarf flowers. It may be planted in the 

 slirubbery with good effect to succeed the blossoms 

 of such shrubs as flower early. The Columbine 

 continues in flower from the end of May to the end 

 of July. Curious varieties may be increased by 

 parting the roots, but the best manner of propa- 

 gating these plants in general is by seed, which 

 should be sown in August or September, and in 



