OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 



89 



was found in the midst of the grassy foliage, and a smaller one 

 inside one of the bell flowers. The " catch and kill 'em " process 

 is doubtless the surest remedy, and three hours after sunset 

 seems to be the time of their strongest muster. Not only does 

 this plant suffer from slugs when in flower, but perhaps equally 

 as much when in its dormant state, especially if the winter is 

 mild; then I have noticed the somewhat prominent crowns eaten 

 entirely off, and it is not unlikely that this plant has come to 

 have the name of a fickle grower, from being the favourite prey 

 of slugs. 



FIG. 36. EDRAIANTHUS DALMAIICUS. 

 (One-half natural size.) 



It is not more than 4in. high under any conditions in this 

 climate, and more often only 3in. in height. From the thrift- 

 like tufts of foliage there radiates a set of stout round flower 

 stalks, which are Sin. to 4in. long, and rest on the ground ; the 

 large heads of flowers are erect ; the stalks are red, and furnished 

 with short stout hairs and short foliage, the latter becoming sere 

 long before the bloom fades. The crowded heads of " bells " are 

 of pale purple colour, in the style of the bell-flower; they are an 

 inch in length, the corolla being somewhat deeply divided ; eight 

 to twelve form the terminal cluster, and they have a fleshy calyx, 

 with very long and persistent segments; the lower part can 

 scarcely be seen for the ample and somewhat peculiar bract 



