UNIVERSITY ) 



or J 



x.] HELLEBORES NIGER HYBRIDS 169 



the roadside, well sheltered on the east from wind, and 

 with a partial shade on one other side, such as Rhodo- 

 dendrons would afford, well away from the depredations 

 of forest tree roots. 



The best time for lifting and dividing them is some- 

 times said to be the month of July, when they are in the 

 most vigorous condition. I think I should prefer it 

 earlier, whenever they have finished flowering ; but they 

 ought not to be often moved once in ten years is enough, 

 and in some cases not even so often, and when moved at 

 all, they should be broken up into single crowns. In the 

 growing season top-dressing or liquid manure is helpful 

 to those that have been some years planted. 



They may be propagated either by division or by seed, 

 and the seed should be sown as soon as it is ripe (as it 

 does not long retain its vitality) in pans or boxes under 

 glass, or covered over on the border with slates or flags 

 until nearly germinating. 



CHAPTER X 



WALLFLOWERS (CHEIRANTHUS) 



NOT without reason has this old favourite been given the 

 name of Wallflower, for it is at its best when found growing 

 on old walls, or sea cliffs, or quarries ; in such places it 

 has a tendency to form a dwarf bush, and to live and 

 thrive and bloom for years. 



