OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 91 



and shorter in the tube. They are arranged in one-sided, elon- 

 gated bunches, which rest on the ground, the blossoms peeping 

 through the foliage. I must not omit to mention perhaps the 

 most desirable property of this species viz., the perfume of its 

 flowers, which is strong, aromatic, and refreshing. The leaves- 

 are cordate, ovate, and entire, nearly 2in. long, slightly drawn 

 or wrinkled, and covered with stiffish hairs. They are arranged 

 on procumbent branches, all, like the flowers, facing upwards. 

 To see the clusters of waxy flowers these branches must be 

 raised, when it will be seen that the flower stalks issue from the 

 axils of the leaves all along the branches. In a cut state the 

 flowers are more than useful ; they are, from their delicious 

 scent, a great treat. The plant is a suitable companion 

 to the ledums, kalmias, gaultherias, and other genera of its own 

 order. 



Its culture, in this climate at least, has, from all accounts, 

 proved rather difficult, so that it may be said to require special 

 treatment; such, at any rate, has been my experience of it. 

 Suitable soil, aspect, shelter, moisture, and position, all seem 

 necessary for the well-doing of this plant. It deserves them all, 

 and, let me add, they may all be easily afforded. The list of 

 requirements may seem formidable on paper, but to put them into 

 practice is but a trifling affair. My specimen is grown in leaf 

 mould, a little loam mixed in with it, and fine charcoal instead 

 of sand, but sand will answer nearly as well ; the aspect is east, 

 it is sheltered from the west by a wall, the north by rhododen- 

 drons, and the south by a tall andromeda. Moreover, its position 

 is one that is sunken between small mounds, where moisture 

 collects, and is never wanting ; and when the specimen was first 

 planted a large sandstone was placed over its roots to further 

 secure them against drought; under these conditions it has 

 thriven and flowered well, and afforded many offshoots. I 

 attribute its well-doing mainly to the sheltered aspect and even 

 state of moisture, but doubtless all the conditions have helped 

 its growth. Its propagation is best carried out by earthing up 

 about the collar, so as to induce the branches to become rooted, 

 or they may be pegged near the extremities like carnation 

 layers, but they will be two years, probably, before they can be 

 safely lifted. 



Flowering period, middle of March to end of April. 



Eranthis Hyemalis. 



Syn. HELLEBORTJS HYEMALIS; WINTER ACONITE; Nat. Ord. 



RANUNCTJLACE^. 



THIS, though well known and a general favourite, is not seen in 

 the broad masses which ought to characterise its culture. 



It is nearly related to the Christmas roses, and, like them, 



