178 ALPINE PLANTS 
groups, as Encrusted, Mossy, Megasea, and sometimes 
we have subdivisions of these groups, but the arrangement 
is unsatisfactory, because unscientific. There are many 
Saxifragas that do not properly belong to either the encrusted 
or the mossy sections, and in uncertainty these have fre- 
quently been erratically classified, and indeed the one 
fault to be found with Saxifragas is that their nomenclature 
has long been somewhat confused, and even alpine specialists 
are not invariably accurate in regard to names. It would 
be an immense advantage if the botanical classification 
into the sixteen sections were adopted for general use, 
and if all trade catalogues so grouped them or indicated 
by some distinctive sign to which section a variety belongs ; 
it would within a short time prove of immense assistance 
in bringing order out of what may almost be termed the 
present chaotic condition, and would greatly facilitate the 
dissemination of cultural instructions. The following are 
the names of the sections, with a brief description of their dis- 
tinctive characteristics and examples of their species or kinds. 
Bergenia.—Often called Megaseas. Plants of large 
vigorous growth with strong rounded leaves in tufted 
formation, with clustered heads of bloom generally rosy 
pink, red, or purple. Examples: S. cordifolia and its 
varieties. Of easy growth in ordinary soil. Sun or shade. 
Boraphylla.—Leaves in rosettes, undivided, flowers white, 
or spotted with red, thrive best in cool, moist, but well- 
drained soil in shady positions. Example: S. hieracifolia. 
Cymbalaria—Of annual or biennial duration, freely 
seeding, producing tufts of glossy leaves, and bright yellow 
flowers. Preferring shade and moisture without stagna- 
