BRITISH PLANTS. 157 



We have, however, sometimes met with this variety in gardens, and it 

 contrasts finely with the dusky flowered plant. This species is of very 

 easy cultivation, and its removal to the garden should be ettected early 

 in the spring. It grows in woods, by hedges, &c., but is somewhat 

 rare. AVe have beheld it growing by the tombs in an old cliurcliyard, 

 in a still and lovely sliady dell ; and really its mourning-like flowers 

 seemed to foel the influence of tlie solemn and sacred shade of gloom 

 tliat hung around the scene. 



Geranium pratense, or Blue Meadow Crane's Bill. This is 

 likewise a very handsome species, bearing large bluish purple flowers. 

 It grows abundantly in moist thickets, and by the margins of streams, 

 and similar situations, and flowers throughout the months of June, 

 July, and August. The fact of its choosing marshy situations as its 

 liabitat, points to the propriety of giving the plant plenty of moisture, 

 and likewise shade in the garden. However these are not essential to 

 its cultivation, and we are much inclined to suppose it a plant capable 

 of growing well even in dry soil. 



Oxalxs acetosella, or Common Wood Sorrel. This sweet little 

 gem is very beautiful indeed. From amongst its neat little pale green 

 drooping leaves, the slender flower-stalk arises, with its little red 

 bracteas about tiie middle, and the pale red-veined blossom on its sum- 

 mit, baslifuUy bending its breast to the earth, as if conscious of such a 

 pure, and luimble, and fragile thing being too pure, and too humble, 

 and too fragile for the gaze of the proud and unfeeling world. This 

 sweet little thing is of very easy cultivation, and as it rises only a few 

 inches in height is well adapted for planting in tlie forepart of a border. 

 It loves the shade, and will do well e\ en luider the dense foliage of 

 trees. It is abundant in woods, &c., especially M-here of a heathy nature 

 and thin soil ; and it is of very common occurrence in hilly or sub- 

 alpine districts. It begins to blossom in April, and continues in flower 

 some months ; and it may with safety be removed at any season. Pea 

 soil will suit it exceedingly Mell ; but it will succeed in common 

 garden earth, and when once planted in a garden it will not be easily ex- 

 terminated, for it spreads rapidly. 



OxYTuopis Ukalensis (Synoni/me: Astragalus Uralensis, 

 Linn), or Hairi/ Moimtain Oxytropis. A very beautiful plant, with 

 briglit purple papilionaceous flowers. The white plant is densely 

 cov'ered with silky hairs, especially near the base, and these give it a 

 very beautiful appearance. It ranks among rarities, being only found 

 occasionally on liry mountain pastures, &c. It flowers in June and 

 .Inly ; and perhaps it may succeed well under cultivation if planted in 

 a dry border, where it will be shaded from the midday and afternoon 

 sun. 



Astragalus iivpoglottis, or Purple Mounlain Milk- Vetch. Tliis 

 is a neat little prostrate plant-, whicli throughout July is wholly covered 

 witli blossoms. The flowers are very specious in comparison with tiie 

 small size of the plant. Naturally it grows in dry sandy and gravelly 

 places, and in such situations it sometimes wholly covers a great extent 

 of grovnid. In the garden it will grow well in sandy soil in a dry 

 sihiatioii, and exposed to the full influence of the sun. A wiiite flow- 

 ered variety sometimes occurs v.hich is very beautiful, and contrasts 



