48 THE CHRONICLES OF A GARDEN. 



the gradual growth of snowdrop and crocus, from their 

 first appearance above ground as little green points to the 

 swelling and opening of their blossoms ; while, on the other 

 hand, the little daffodil, the squills, and the dog-tooth 

 violet surprise us by bursting through the ground, flower 

 and leaf together, almost full blown. Then there are those 

 universal favourites, double daisies, white, red, or pink, set 

 either as borders or in groups, and a very pretty little white 

 saxifrage, {Saxifraga tridactylites,) with foliage like clumps 

 of moss, and every blossom of which " keps its ain drap 

 o' dew," and sparkles in the sun. This last-named plant 

 requires to be kept within bounds, for it spreads rapidly, 

 and never seems to object to rough handling, or to require 

 much root. I have seen it torn away from the surface of 

 the ground in hands full, to reduce it to proper dimen- 

 sions, and the portions thus rudely treated, stuck in in 

 some shady spot, where they grew and prospered as if they 

 had been lifted and replanted with all the usual ceremony. 

 Another very pretty saxifrage is the little red Sajcifraga 

 oppositifolia. It is not common in gardens, and certainly 

 will not submit to such freedoms as the last named. Its 

 native haunt is the summit of lofty mountains, Ben Lawers 

 being one of its habitats, but I have seen it thriving in a 

 Lowland home, and brightening the borders in early spring 

 with its rosy flowers. 



" There, cleaving to the gi'ound, it lies 

 With multitude of purple eyes, 

 Spangling a cushion green like moss." 



I suspect it is somewhat "• doiii/'' about taking root at 



