OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. Ill 



this, the older plants (I divide half my stock one year, the other 

 half the year following) should be cut over near the ground, 

 though they may be in full bloom. Divide the roots into several 

 strong pieces, and replant them in soil deeply dug and where 

 they are intended to flower ; they will bloom finely the following 

 season. 

 Flowering period, July to September. 



Gentiana Acaulis. 



GENTIANELLA; Nat. Ord. GENTIANACE^. 



A HARDY, evergreen creeper, its creeping stems running imme- 

 diately under the surface. This is a remarkably beautiful plant, 

 and the wonder is that it is not grown in every garden. The 

 most attractive features, when in flower, of this dwarf Gentian 

 are its immensely large blooms and neat shining green foliage 

 {see Fig. 43). It is easily identified, there being not another 



FIG. 43. GENTIANA ACAULIS. 

 (One-fourth natural size.) 



species like it, and certainly very few to equal it for beauty and 

 service ; it forms one of the best edgings for beds and borders. 

 Many report that it is difficult to grow, which may be the case in 

 some gardens from one cause or other, whilst in many places it 

 runs like quick-grass. 



Flowers, dark bright blue, large, long bell-shaped, but not 

 drooping ; tube, five-angular, nearly Sin. long ; corolla, five-limbed, 

 and an inch or more wide ; the stems are seldom more than Sin. 

 long, square, furnished with small opposite leaves, and termi- 

 nated with one flower on each. That part of the foliage which 

 sends up the flower is arranged in rosette form, the leaves being 

 stout, flat, and acutely lance- shaped. Anywhere or everywhere 

 may this subject be planted ; it is always bright, even in winter, 



