40 CRUCIFER.^. 



plants can only be maintained by this means. In this case 

 cuttings may be taken to the extent required immediately 

 before the summer occupants claim their quarters, and the old 

 plants be turned on the rubbish-heap, or utilised in any other 

 way. 



A. argenteum {Silvery-leaved Madwort). — This is a compact- 

 growing species, with small oblong leaves, broader at the point 

 than the base, silveiy on the under side, and dotted above with 

 minute starry grey hairs. Flowers in dense panicles, yellow, 

 appearing in April and May. Native of Piedmont and Corsica, 

 in exposed rocky places. Best fitted for culture on rockwork, 

 and succeeds but indifferently in the open ground, where the 

 soil is naturally moist. Height 9 inches to i foot. 



A. gemonense {AiisU-ian Madwort). — This is a splendid sort, 

 of shmbby diffuse habit, with large lanceolate leaves, hoary on 

 both surfaces, the margin marked with a few obscure teeth. 

 The flowers are produced in great profusion in April, May, and 

 June, and are very conspicuous in masses at a distance, being 

 bright golden yellow. This is the most valuable of all the 

 spring yellow bedding plants, being superior to the ordinary 

 form of A. saxatile in vigour, colour, and profusion of bloom. 

 It grows well everywhere, and in a variety of soils, and is quite 

 hardy, but prefers light dry loam. Where the ground is wet, 

 little hillocks should be raised to plant upon, in order to secure 

 immunity from the effects of stagnation. It may be naturalised 

 on dry banks in semi-wild places with ease, if rabbits do not 

 abound in the place ; but need not be attempted if they do, as 

 they are partial to the plant in a strong degree. 



A. saxatile {Rock- Madwort). — Botanists are not at one with 

 each other regarding the distinctness of this plant from A. 

 gemonense., and the strongest opinion appears to be favourable 

 to regarding the latter as a variety of the Rock-Madwort. The 

 two forms are, however, quite distinct for horticultural purposes 

 in large collections ; but in smaller, only one may be recom- 

 mended — and in that case A. gemonense should be preferred, 

 as being the most beautiful, and adaptable to a greater variety 

 of uses. A. saxatile is, however, equally well fitted for natural- 

 ising on dry banks and about the walls of ruins, where a little 

 soil may be introduced for it to grow in. Height about 9 

 inches. Native of many countries of S. Europe and W. Asia. 

 Flowers about the same time as A. gemonense. A variegated 

 form of this species may or may not be considered valuable, 

 according as taste in these things sways one. My own opinion 

 is that it is worthless ; the contrast between the hoary ground- 

 colour and the creamy-white margins is not sufficiently distinct ; 



