24 HARDY PERENNIALS AND 



distinctions are really beautiful, and commend it to those who 

 love to grow plants of a recherche character. 



The illustration (Fig. 12) will give some idea of it, but no de- 

 scription can convey even an approximate notion of its flowers, 

 which are produced singly, on short, stout, hairy stems, about 

 5in. high. For so small a plant the flower is large, more than an 

 inch across when expanded, but usually it keeps of a roundish, 

 bell-shaped form. Its colour is a bluish-white inside, the 

 outside being much darker. It would be violet, were not the 

 hairs so long and numerous that they form a brownish coat 

 which is, perhaps, the most remarkable trait of this species. 



FIG. 12. ANEMONE VEENALIS (SHAGGY ANEMONE). 

 (One-half natural size). 



The leaves, too, are very hairy twice, and sometimes thrice, 

 divided, rather small, and also few. 



This little plant is most enjoyed when grown in pots. It may 

 be plunged in sand or ashes in an open space, but it should never 

 be allowed to suffer for moisture. When so grown, and just 

 before the flowers open, it should be removed to a cool, airy 

 frame, where it should also be plunged to keep its roots cool and 

 moist ; it will require to be very near the glass, so as to get 

 perfect flowers. Such a method of growing this flower affords 

 the best opportunity for its close examination ; besides, it is so 

 preserved in finer and more enduring form. It thrives well in 



