178 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



growth, but the flower is pure white ; querdfolia we think the 

 handsomest flower of either species ; it is larger than tatula, 

 measuring five inches across the mouth, white, the nerves of a 

 fine pink, shaded with a dull purple. The fruit is contained 

 in a smooth capsule, and the leaf is somewhat like the oak, 

 (quercus,) whence its name. The manner of growth is very 

 elegant ; and as each succeeding blossom burst through its fine 

 calyx, we thought it more beautiful than its predecessor. We 

 can truly recommend this as an ornament to the garden. 



D. stramonium, double purple, is also a very desirable flower. 



DELPHINIUM. 



Larkspur. 



The annual Larkspurs are familiar to almost every one. 

 Some of the species and varieties are among the most common 

 ornaments of the garden. They are all very hardy, and 

 flower stronger when self-sown in summer, or planted in beds, 

 or in the border, in August or September. There are two dis- 

 tinct species in common cultivation, differing essentially in 

 their habits. 



Delphinium consolida. Branching Larkspur. This va- 

 riety grows from two to three feet high, producing its flowers 

 in spikes, which are continually pushing out from the main 

 stem and branches, giving an abundance of bloom through the 

 season. Flowers blue, white, pink, and variegated. The double 

 varieties are the most desirable. Masses of the different sorts 

 appear to great advantage. 



D. ajacis. Dwarf Rocket Larkspur. The double varieties 

 of this species are among the most showy ornaments of the 

 flower-garden, when properly grown. 



A bed of the double varieties, consisting of white, pearl 

 color, lilac, pink, light and dark purple, is equal in beauty to 

 a bed of fine Hyacinths. Autumn-sown plants will grow from 



