38 fumariacetE. 



they are equally happy in and brighten up shady places with 

 their handsome foliage and beautiful flowers. D. spcctabilis 

 even is not unwilling to flourish in groves and glades where 

 some preparation as to soil is made for it, and encroaching 

 neighbours may be kept in proper check. All the species 

 luxuriate in such places. They do not flower so freely as when 

 placed in sunnier positions, but their graceful foliage, with the 

 beautiful flowers, if not profuse, are welcome because unlooked 

 for and rare. Preparation for planting in these places con- 

 sists in trenching the spot to be occupied by the plants to the 

 depth of 1^ or 2 feet, adding gritty sand, if the soil is of 

 close consistency, and well - decomposed leaf- mould; and 

 worthless native plants, if of a rampant nature, should be cur- 

 tailed in the vicinity of the prepared ground. All are easily 

 propagated by division in early spring on the first symptoms of 

 growth appearing, or indeed at any time in open weather after 

 the plants are at rest ; but the largest possible increase may 

 more safely be attempted when returning activity is first excited. 

 It is pretty well known that D. spcctabilis makes a beautiful 

 pot-plant, and may be forced in gentle heat into flower for the 

 decoration of conserv^atories and rooms some months before 

 its natural period of flowering in the open air. D. eximia is 

 very handsome done in the same way, but requires less excite- 

 ment than spcctabilis. 



D. eximia {Choice D.) — This species grows about 18 inches 

 high, producing rounded masses of bright green handsome 

 leaves, the lobes of which are sharply cut. The flowers, flesh- 

 coloured, are borne on long, graceful, leafless stalks, in loose 

 drooping racemes, which in luxuriant plants branch at the base. 

 Flowers in May, June, and July. Native of N. America. 



D. formosa {Haiidsoi7ie D.) — ^This species is more dwarf 

 than the last ; the lobes of the leaves are more bluntly cut ; the 

 flower-stalks are naked, but the racemes are very short and 

 crowded, and show less tendency to branch even when most 

 luxuriant. Colour purplish pink. Height about 9 inches or 

 I foot. Native of N. America. Flowers in June and July. 



D. spectabilis {S/winy D.) is so familiar to all lovers of 

 flowers that a description of it would be superfluous. It will 

 be enough to be reminded that it is the handsomest of its tribe, 

 that it is not surpassed in brilliancy and grace by any known 

 hardy perennial plant, and it is withal most easy to cultivate. 

 Flowers in June and July. Native of Siberia. 



