Crambe — Cucurbita. 119 



edge into narrow segments, and supported by spiny leaf- 

 stalks, from 6t ft. to nearly 10 ft. long. It requires 

 abundance of water, and should have a warm, sunny, and 

 sheltered position. Few places, however, can afford to 

 have subjects of this character in the open air, except 

 where there are large conservatories, in which it is a 

 relief to get more room in summer. 



*Crambe cordifolia. — This is unquestionably one of 

 the finest of perfectly hardy and large-leaved herbaceous 

 plants. It is as easily grown as the common Seakale — 

 more easily, if anything ; and in heavy rich ground makes 

 a splendid head of leaves, surmounted in summer by a 

 dense spray of very small flowers. In planting it, the 

 deeper and richer the soil the finer the result. It will 

 prove a capital thing for any group of fine-leaved hardy 

 plants, and may also be planted wherever a bold though 

 low type of vegetation is desired. 



There is another species, *C. jimcea, a dwarf kind, 

 with white flowers and much-branched stems, the rami- 

 fications of which are very slender and elegant. This is 

 also effective, but not so valuable as C. cordifolia. 



*Cucurbita perennis. — A climbing or trailing plant, 

 well adapted for covering walls, ruins, trellises, steep 

 slopes, etc. It is a very vigorous grower, its stems some- 

 times attaining a length of nearly 40 ft. in one year ; but 

 it will probably never do this in our climate. The leaves 

 are strong, rough, and of a glaucous colour • and the 

 shoots run about freely if the plant be in very rich soil. 

 Where a bold trailing plant for high trellis-work, or rough 

 banks, or shaggy rockwork is desired, it will be found 

 useful ; but withal we cannot give it a place in the front 



