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tion, and there is no plant in cultivation producing such 
a lively and charming effect when planted in a mass.” It 
is thoroughly hardy, readily increased, and can now be 
procured at a very low price, which ought to induce 
everyone who has a garden, no matter how small, to 
have a good supply of this charming plant. When 
strong, it produces twelve to sixteen lovely sky-blue 
flowers onastem. For pots it is very useful, and can be 
used with charming effect for edging, massing borders, 
and rock-work. 
THE SNOWDROP. 
OR its poetical associations as the ever welcome har- 
= binger of Spring, the Snowdrop is very generally 
cultivated and is entirely hardy. Itisa native of Great 
Britain, where it is a great favorite. There is no special 
care needed in their culture; they generally do well under 
most circumstances, and should be planted in the Fall. 
There are a single and double variety, both of which are 
desirable. A rockery or bank with a lot of Snowdrops 
coming through in the early Spring is always a cheerful 
sight. 
IXIA. 
= GENUS of beautiful Cape bulbs, with narrow leaves, 
==s and slender, simple, or slightly branched stems, 
bearing spikes of large showy flowers, various in color, 
and exceedingly attractive when fully expanded by sun- 
shine. Viridifiora, which has large sea-green flowers 
with black markings at the base of the segments, isa _ 
very singular looking, as well as very beautiful plant. 
There are many species and some varieties, and the 
