102 



HARDY PERENNIALS AND 



and squills, being of the same or nearly allied order, as well as 

 of corresponding stature. Its yellow flowers, too, highly com- 

 mend it, as, with the exception of the yellow crocus, we have not 

 a very dwarf spring flower of the kind, and, as may be seen 



by the illustration (Fig. 39), it differs 

 , widely from the crocus in every way. 



This is a really charming species ; 

 its dark yellow flowers are large for 

 so small a plant, being more than 

 an inch across when expanded by 

 sunshine, but its more common 

 form is bell- shape ; one, and some- 

 times more flowers are produced on 

 the upright, smooth, leafy stem, 

 which is less than Gin. high. The 

 leaves are alternate linear, sharply 

 pointed, smooth, and glaucous. 

 Such dwarf flowers always show to 

 most advantage, as well as keep 

 cleaner, where carpeted with suit- 

 able vegetation; the dark green 

 Herniaria glabra would be perfec- 

 tion for this glaucous plant. 



It seems happy where growing 

 fully exposed in ordinary garden 



soil, but it is not unlikely that it may require more shade, in 

 common with other Fritillaries, for, as before hinted, it is yet 

 in its trial stage. I am, however, pretty certain of its hardiness, 

 but not about the best mode of culture and propagation. 

 Flowering period, April and May. 



Funkia Albo-marginata. 



Common Name, WHITE-EDGED PLANTING-LEAVED LILY 

 Nat. Ord. 



. 39. FKITILLAKIA ARMENA. 

 (One-half natural size.) 



A HARDY herbaceous perennial from Japan, of but recent intro- 

 duction, than which there are few more useful subjects to be 

 found in our gardens. It combines with its wealth of foliage a 

 bold spike of pleasing lilac flowers, the former, as implied by the 

 specific name, being edged with a white line, which is broad and 

 constant, this quality being all the more commendable from the 

 fact that many variegations are anything but reliable. Speaking 

 of this as a decorative plant for the garden, it may be said to be 

 one of the best ; however placed, it has a neatness and beauty 

 which are characteristic, especially when used in lines, and has 

 become well established ; from early spring, when the fresh young 

 leaves appear, until the autumn is well advanced, this plant 

 upholds a fine appearance independent of its flowers ; they are, 



