163 FLORA HISTORICA. 



from the roots in autumn, or by cutting off the 

 flower-stalks in June, before the blossom appears 

 These stalks should be cut into lengths, having 

 three or four joints to each, and planted in a border 

 of soft loamy earth, with an eastern aspect ; the 

 stalks to be planted so as to leave but one eye above 

 the earth : they should have moderate watering, 

 and then be covered with a hand-glass, so as to 

 exclude the outward air, and shaded with mat^ 

 when the sun falls hot upon them. These stalks 

 take root in about six weeks, when they may be 

 exposed by degrees to the open air ; and in the 

 autumn they may be removed to the parterre 

 where they are to flower the following summer. If 

 too much water is given to these plants, or if 

 planted in too damp a soil, they are liable to rot 

 and decay ; and it should ^be observed to give the 

 double varieties a warmer and more sheltered situa- 

 tion than the single kinds, since they are more liable 

 to be injured by the frost. 



The Ragged Robin, Cuckoo Flower, or jVIea- 

 dow Pink, Floscucidi^ is a native species of Lych- 

 nis, which has been taken from our meadows into 

 the garden, and, by the art of doubling the petals, 

 has become an ornamental plant amongst shrubs, 

 or in the background of flower-borders. 



This pretty plant is called Ragged Robin, from 

 the finely-cut or ragged appearance of its petals, 



