354 THE GARDENER. [Aug. 



common Thrift, but much larger both in foliage and flowers, and con- 

 tinues in bloom for seven or eight months out of the twelve. Some 

 two years ago it was highly spoken of by several writers in the ' Gar- 

 dener's Chronicle,' certainly in no higher terms than it deserves. This 

 variety will be found very useful in furnishing a stand of cut flowers 

 of hardy perennials and herbaceous plants. 



Delphinium Bella Donna. — This, though not a new plant, is one 

 deserving the highest recommendation. It is of very free growth, and 

 an abundant bloomer ; and whether planted singly or in a mass, is one 

 of the most effective plants in cultivation. The colour is sky-blue, 

 and it forms an excellent contrast to the deeper-coloured kinds. 



Furikia grandiflora. — This is a beautiful plant, possessing every pro- 

 perty that can well be desired, and by many competent judges it has 

 been pronounced one of the finest plants that can be grown for the 

 decoration of the garden ; and it is also very useful for conserva- 

 tory work. It has been represented that it will not flower out of 

 doors ; but this is erroneous, as many can testify. Mr T. S. Ware, of 

 Tottenham, states that he has grown it for several years, and it has 

 hitherto bloomed very freely in his specimen border, although its large 

 delicate foliage is apt to get injured by change of weather. If grown 

 in pots, this evil can be avoided, and the result will amply repay any 

 one for the trouble involved by so cultivating it. Its pure white 

 flowers, handsome foliage, and powerful fragrance, entitle it to a place 

 in every collection. 



Gentiana gelida. — This is a charming hardy perennial from the plains 

 of Siberia, and will grow freely in any ordinary soil, and form large 

 spreading tufts of rich blue flowers about 12 inches in height, with 

 from four to eight flowers on each tuft. A fine example of this could 

 have been seen a few weeks ago on Mr Barron's herbaceous border at 

 the Chiswick Gardens. When I saw it, it was in full bloom, and, for 

 aught I know to the contrary, it may be equally attractive now. It 

 also, for the rich hue of its flowers, should be in every collection. 



Gentiana Verna. — Few persons are aware of the beauty of this 

 charming plant, although it is a native of this country. It is scarcely 

 ever seen excepting in its mountain home. In its habits of growth it 

 forms dense tufts of deep-green foliage, which are smothered in early 

 spring with brilliant blue flowers, generally with a yellow or white 

 throat. It grows very freely on rockwork if kept moist, or on borders 

 with plenty of drainage. 



For these descriptions I am greatly indebted to Mr T. S. Ware's 

 excellent list of Perennials, a most useful work of reference. By-and- 

 by I hope to give a few more notes on some of the rarer of these fine 

 and useful plants. Nemo. 



