272 Iberbaceous plants, 



in the typical form. The broad-leaved variety, altifolius, 

 has very large, pure white flowers. The leaves are large, 

 pedate, of a leathery texture and deep green. A moist and 

 sheltered position in a rockery or under evergreen shrubs is 

 the best. The flowers develop fully only when the buds 

 and foliage are kept moist and cool. Broad masses of this 

 plant early in the season are exceptionally beautiful, espe- 

 cially among evergreen shrubs and trees. Several species 

 of helleborus flow r er later in the season and are generally 

 known as Lenten roses. Most beautiful among these are 

 H. Colchicus, bright purple, H. Olympicus, purple, and H. 

 orientalis with rose-colored flowers. These flower in March 

 and April and are useful for the same purpose as the Christ- 

 mas rose. All do best in a rich, sandy loam mixed with 

 plenty of leaf mold and well-decayed manure. 



Winter Aconite, Erantliis liyemalis. This is a very 

 attractive, dwarf perennial, flowering in the earliest spring. 

 It grows about six inches high, producing numerous bright 

 yellow flowers on single stems. The winter aconite is de- 

 sirable for naturalizing in light and rich loamy soil in half- 

 shady positions or in rich, open, rocky woods. It may also 

 be grown in shrubberies and hedgerows with the most 

 beautiful effect. 



Fennel Flower, Nigella Damacena. An annual with 

 finely cut leaves and bluish-white flowers surrounded by 

 foliage. A neat, erect-growing herb eight inches or more 

 high, readily increased by seeds ; fine in borders or rockeries. 

 Moderately good garden soil. 



Columbine, Aquilegia. A family of very ornamental 

 plants of open woodlands and mountain regions, grown in 



