MELASTOMACE.E. 121 



— such of them at least as are perennial — furnishes a few species 

 very fit for the adornment of beds and borders in summer; and 

 being easy to propagate and keep up in stock, their aid in that 

 way may be obtained at little cost where the most ordinary 

 means for propagating tender plants by cuttings exist. But 

 Lythriim is the only family of hardy herbaceous Loosestrifes at 

 present in our hands that can be considered ornamental; in it 

 there are a few species of great beauty. 



L. salicaria {the Purple Loosestrife), a British species, is one 

 of the best, and some of its varieties are among the most 

 handsome of the ornaments of the herbaceous or mixed border. 

 The species grows erect, about 3 or 4 feet high, with numerous 

 square somewhat woody stems, so stout and firm in texture as 

 to be independent of support. The stems branch but slightly 

 near the top, and stems and branches terminate in long spikes 

 of rosy-purple flowers, which are most effective either at a 

 distance or near at hand : they appear in July, August, and 

 September. The finest of its varieties is that named roseimi 

 siiperbiun, which surpasses the type both in the size and bril- 

 liant colouring of the flowers. They are best fitted for growing 

 in moist soil, though they cut a very good figure in that which 

 is dry, if not extremely so. Besides their high value as border- 

 plants, they are invaluable for introducing by the sides of streams 

 and lakes, or in moist places anywhere. In such places they 

 always flourish and appear to be thoroughly characteristic; and 

 being able by their vigorous habit to take care of themselves 

 against the encroachments of rampant neighbours, they may be 

 established at small expense. 



MELASTOMACE^. 



Rhexia virginica. — This is the only hardy species of this 

 fine order of plants in cultivation in this country. It is a rare 

 plant, and likely to continue so on account of the very excep- 

 tional conditions under which only it will thrive or live even in 

 cultivation. It is a native of sandy bogs in several of the 

 States of North America, and will only live and develop its 

 beauties in similar soil and conditions in our gardens. Deep 

 sandy peat, abundantly moist, is essential to its healthy ex- 

 istence. The plant is very beautiful, and wherever the proper 

 circumstances can be given it, it will well repay the trouble 

 taken with it. It grows about 9 inches high, with numerous 



