132 SAXIFRAGACE^. 



A. rivularis {Brook A.) — This plant resembles the last, but 

 is taller, and the flowers are dusky brown, in the same style of 

 inflorescence, appearing in July and August. Height about 4 

 feet. Native of North America. Hardier than the last, and 

 suitable for the same purposes. 



A. rubra {Red A.) — This species is of the same character as 

 the preceding, but is nearer the first than the last. It grows 

 about 23^ or 3 feet high, with densely-hairy stems, and leaf- 

 stalks and leaves, and the hairs being crimson give the plant a 

 striking appearance. The flowers are red, in the same character 

 of inflorescence, and appear about the same time as the others. 

 Native of Nepal. I have had no experience of this striking 

 plant north of London, and cannot recommend it as hardy in 

 the north. 



Francoa. — This is a genus of very few species, all from Chili. 

 They are all very much alike in aspect, and all suitable only 

 for mixed borders or larger rockworks. They prefer rich well- 

 drained light loam and a sunny position. 



F. sonchifolia {Sowthistle-leaved F.) — This species forms com- 

 pact tufts of leaves similar in form to those of the Sowthistle, 

 as the name implies ; but they are dark green, and softly but 

 not densely downy. Flower-stems 2 or 3 feet high, unbranched, 

 bearing a terminal raceme of rosy-purple flowers, appearing in 

 July and August. 



Besides the above there are two other species in gardens — 

 viz., F. appeiidiculata and rajnosa, both worthy of culture in large 

 collections; and there is a white variety of the former, which can- 

 not, however, be considered an acquisition, being rather dusky. 



Hoteia japonica, syns. Spiraea and Astilbe japonica. — This 

 is the only representative of the genus in gardens in this 

 country. It forms handsome, rather crowded, masses of biter- 

 nate dark-green shining leaves, the stalks and leaflets clothed 

 with short rusty hairs. The flowers are produced in graceful 

 pyramidal panicles, pure white, as also are the ultimate pedicels, 

 but gradually in descending the stalks become bright rosy-red 

 or purple, thus giving an additional chann to the plant. Flowers 

 in June and July. The plant is a native of Japan, and, like the 

 Astiibes, it is unsuitable for cold wet localities. It delights in 

 light, rich, well-drained soil, and is fond of peat; and if attempted 

 in the north, it should be accommodated with a good sunny 

 position. It is becoming ver}^ fashionable as a pot-plant for 

 greenhouse decoration, and few plants used for that purpose 

 are more attractive when it is well done; and it may be forced 

 with ease and success if care is taken not to overdo it with tem- 

 perature. Height I to i^ foot. 



