88 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



beauty in the autumn, when most flowers are beginning 

 to decay. 



CHIONANTHUS. 



JASMINEiE. DIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



The name of this shrub is derived from the Greeks and signifies 

 snow-flower. It is usually called the Virginian snow-drop tree. — 

 French, I'arbre de neige. — Italian, albero di neve. 



This shrub is common in South Carohna, where it grows 

 by the side of rivulets. The flowers come out in May, 

 hanging in long bunches, and are of a pure white ; whence 

 it is called by the inhabitants Snowdrop Tree : and, from 

 the flowers being cut into narrow segments, they give it 

 also the name of Fringe Tree. 



The Snowdrop Tree requires much care in raising : the 

 best time to procure one is when it is about four years 

 old ; it will then endure the cold of winter. In the sum- 

 mer it likes the morning sun; and is always fond of water. 

 In dry summer weather it may be refreshed with a little 

 water, both morning and evening. 



CHIEONIA. 



GENTIANE^. PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



This genus, like the centaviry, is named after the centaur Chiron. 



There are several species of Chironia, which, being 

 chiefly natives of the Cape-, may be treated in the same 

 manner. They are little shrubby plants, varying in 

 colour according to the species : blue, purple, yellow, or 

 red. The most common are the berry-bearing kinds, of 

 which there are two ; one, which is, on this account, 

 named the Berry-bearing Chironia ; the other, Frutescens, 



