RANUNCULACE.E. 9 



A. tauricum {Tatiriait Monkshood). — This is a fine distinct 

 form, with dark-blue flowers. It is a robust grower, and rises 

 to the height of about 4 feet, with ample but not very much 

 divided leaves. The racemes or spikes of flowers are very 

 long, compact, and cylindrical. Flowers in June, July, and 

 into August. Native of Tauria. 



Actsea {Bajieberry). — This is a small genus of rather dis- 

 tinct aspect, but not of first-rate importance in the embellish- 

 ment of select positions. The proper home oi Adcea is in the 

 woods and half-kept places among shrubs, where their fea- 

 tures will be in harmony with surrounding objects. They 

 are peculiarly adapted for naturalisation,' as they grow well 

 in any common soil, and naturally affect somewhat shady 

 positions. Propagate by division in autumn, winter, or spring. 

 There are four or five species known; but it is only need- 

 ful to describe one, as they are rather similar in their general 

 appearance. 



A. spicata {Spiked Banebei-ry). — This plant is a native of 

 Britain, but is distributed rather locally. It has, however, a 

 very wide geographical range in other countries, being found in 

 eastern Europe, Russian Asia, and in North America, extend- 

 ing in the latter into the arctic regions. In nature it is often 

 a small plant; but in rich soil and under cultivation it grows 

 about 3 feet high, sometimes higher. The leaves are mostly 

 confined to the roots or base of the flower-stems, are large 

 and pinnately divided in a compound manner. The flowers 

 are borne in terminal racemes, sometimes branched, but in 

 weak plants often simple ; they are creamy white, and appear 

 in May, June, and July. 



Aquilegia ( Coluvibine). — This is a showy and interesting 

 group of plants. They are all of moderate height, are neat in 

 habit, and possess beautiful foliage, and in most cases the 

 colours of the flowers are bright and striking, and the structure 

 most interesting. There is a very considerable list of reputed 

 species, but many are not distinct, and a small number con- 

 centrate the best qualities of the family in themselves. They 

 are plants of very easy culture, preferring a loamy rich soil, 

 rather moist than dry, but well drained. They are propagated 

 by division in autumn, winter, or spring, and by seeds in 

 March — the choicer sorts in pots, in frames, or hand-glasses, 

 and pricked oiT before finally planting in the borders in the 

 end of May or beginning of June ; but the varieties of A. vul- 

 garis and others may be sown in the open border in a warm 

 spot, and transplanted to their permanent position when 

 sufficiently strong. They bloom the first year when sown 



