DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 353 



one of tlio most common species, from which a number of 

 beautiful and improved seedlings have been produced. 



All the varieties are very pretty in the open ground, 

 and bloom most of the season, but are much injured by 

 the sun or severe rains. They can only be brought to 

 the highest state of perfection when grown in pots in the 

 green-house, where they can be made to attain the height 

 of three or four feet ; in the open ground about two feet ; 

 from August to October. The varieties are : humilis, 

 8. porrigens, /S. retusus, S. HookerU, S. Priestii and S. 

 Grahamii. 



SCHIZOPETALOff. 



Schizopltalon Walktfri, Walker's Schizopetalon. 

 This is a singular plant, about one foot high, with curious 

 white flowers ; the segments of the corolla are finely cut 

 into many feathery divisions. The flowers are very frail, 

 being soon spoiled by the sun. 



A native of Chili, whence it was originally introduced 

 in 1821. It is a hardy annual, thriving best in a light, 

 sandy soil, and is increased by seeds, which it however 

 perfects but sparingly, and that only in dry and warm 

 summers. To hasten their growth, and thereby insure 

 the maturing of seeds, the young plants should be raised 

 in a frame, and planted out in a sunny border about the 

 middle of May. The flowers are very fragrant, especially 

 in the evening. 



SCILLA. SQUILL. 



Scilla Peruviana. The Star Hyacinth. A very pretty 

 bulbous-rooted plant, with dark-blue starry flowers ; in 

 May and June. The stem grows about nine inches high. 

 The bulb is rather tender and should be well protected. 



