351 



leiiglh of the corolla, jxn-inancut : slignui simpU-: the pcricarpiuni is 

 an ol^long capsule, louiid, ol)li([uclj striated, one-celled, opening Ijy 

 a inany-loothed toj): the seeds numerous, acuminate, very small: 

 the receptacle columnar, free. 



The species is S. n/pi/ia, Alpine Soldanella. 



It has a perennial fibrous root: the leaves almost kidney- shaped, 

 about three cpiarters of an inch over each way, of a dark green co- 

 lour, on long footstalks: among these arises a naked tiowor-stalk or 

 scape, about four inches long, sustaining at the top two small open 

 bell-shaped dowers, with the brim cut into many fine s(\gments like 

 a fringe : the most freciuent colour is blue, but it is sometimes snow- 

 white. It flowers in Ajjril, and the seeds ripen in July. It is a 

 native of the Alps. 



There is a variety which has all the parts smaller ; the petiole is 

 shorter and more slender, and tlie leaves are not so nmch rounded, 

 but gradually widen from the petiole. 



Cuiture. — This is increased by parting the roots in the autumn 

 about September, planting them in pots or in a cool shady situation? 

 where the soil is of a moist loamy kind, being frequently watered 

 when the season is diy, and kept from the sun. 



The seeds soon after they become ripe may also be sown in pots 

 or boxes filled with the above sort of mould, being placed in the 

 shade, and frequently watered. The plants rise in the spring, and 

 in the autumn following should be removed into separate pots, to 

 have the protection of a frame in winter. They succeed best in a 

 northern aspect. 



These plants afibrd variety among other potted plants. 



