THE FLORAL WOKLD AI^D GAEDEI^ GUIDE. 279 



acaulis alha. — Very dwarf mossy subjects, suited for choice rock- 

 work, alpine arraDgement, or for growing in pans. 



Silene alpestris, the Mountain Catchfly. — Pure white, dwarf, and 

 'horoughly hardy ; excellent for front row of choice border, or for 

 rock work. 



Sisyrinchium grandiflorum. — Fine early-flowering species ; re- 

 quires peat or sandy soil. 



Tulijxc gesneriana* and scalrlscapa^^ in variety are the best. 

 Scahrisca-pa is the species from which most of the spring bedding 

 tulips have been raised. 



Tunica saxifraga. — A dense-flowering, neat little border or rock 

 plant, but not so Viiluable or so rare as any of the foregoing. 



Vesicaria litriculata, the Bladder AYallflower, native of the 

 Levant. — A good thing, with flowers of a beautiful yellow, like 

 those of Cheiranthus ocliroleiicus, but it is not so useful a plant as 

 that. 



Here we stop with the spring subjects. Plants of great beauty 

 may have been omitted, but in few cases without a reason ; an'd 

 certain it is that the place which exhibits flowering specimens of 

 each of those mentioned cannot fail to give fresh, varied, and de- 

 lightful interest to every lover of a garden. Those marked thus * 

 are the best for beginners, and should be first secured. 



EoBiNsOiS" Ceusoe. 



THE EPACEIS. 



BY GEOEGE GOEDOX 



DO not consider it necessary to say one word by way of 

 apology for introducing the claims of this genus to the 

 reader's notice. They are amongst the most beautiful 

 winter- flowering plants we have in this country. The 

 epacris has long been a favourite of mine, and I know 

 several of my friends who are equally fond of the beautiful, tubular- 

 shaped flowers, which vary in colour from pure white to scarlet and 

 crimson, with all the intermediate shades and tints too numerous to 

 mention. Notwithstanding their partiality for these plants, they 

 seldom succeed in growing them in a manner that reflects credit 

 upon their horticultural skill. It is not only amateurs who fail to 

 grow them well ; many professionals are equally unsuccessful. This 

 is not because they are so very difficult to grow, but the truth of the 

 matter is simply this: they are delicate rooted, and require attention 

 at the right time. If they get too much water at any time of the 

 year, it rots the roots, and when they are gone, no amount of good 

 treatment will bring them back again. And again, if the plants are 

 stood out of doors and forgotten, and allowed to get dust dry, and 

 remain in that condition until the plants begin to show signs of 

 distress, it is a long time before they recover themselves, even sup- 



