VIOLACE.-E. 57 



appearing in May last till June. Best adapted to adorn rock- 

 work, and will not exist on wet flat positions. 



H. Tuberaria [Pla-iitain-leaved Rock-Rose). — This species be- 

 longs to a veiy distinct but small section of the family charac- 

 terised by herbaceous instead of hgneous or shrubby stems and 

 branches. It gi'ows about i foot high, producing three-nerved 

 plantain-like leaves, very hairy and large as compared with 

 those of the shrubby kinds. The flowers are large, bright 

 yellow, with a dark purplish-red zone in the centre : they open 

 in June and last till August. Native of the south of Europe. 

 ?\Iost suitable for rockwork and mixed borders in vrell-drained 

 rich loam. 



H. vulgare {Common Rock-Rose). — This is another British 

 species, and one of the most widely distributed of Rock-Roses 

 on the continent of Europe, as well as one of the best known 

 at home, for it is to be found in many British gardens in one or 

 more of its numerous varieties. It is one of the most gay and 

 variable, as well as the most easy to cultivate ; for though it re- 

 fuses to grow in continuously damp places, it is not so fastidious 

 as regards frequent drenchings as many Rock-Eoses are, if the 

 position is only sunny and airy. The general character of the 

 plant is low diffuse growth, with numerous stems and branches 

 clothed with oblong or lanceolate leaves, hoary beneath, bright 

 green above, and hair}^, with the edges generally flat, not re- 

 curved, and yellow flowers in a loose terminal raceme; but 

 there are many varieties about gardens differing more or less 

 from the type, although the greatest variation takes place in 

 the colour and size of the flowers. The variation in colour is 

 considerable, there being many shades between straw and deep 

 red, which are the two extremes; and there are several varieties 

 with combinations of different shades, and one or two doubles 

 in well-marked colours. But the most remarkable variety is 

 that named H. z'u/gare var. siirrejamtim^ which has the petals 

 much reduced in breadth and deeply cut. It was originally 

 discovered near Croydon, and has been regarded as a good 

 specific form; but, except as a curiosity, it is scarcely worthy of 

 cultivation. 



VIOLACE^. 



If this natural order presented nothing except the Sweet- 

 Violet for our admiration, it would have a very strong claim on 

 the consideration of all lovers of sweet and beautiful flowers. 



