OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 141 



sered, and the new scarcely visible. The varieties of H. triloba 

 differ only in the colour and form of their flowers, there being 

 blue, purple, white, and pink. Of the first and last named there 

 are double varieties as well. 



Cultivation, the same as for H. angulosa. 



Flowering period, February to April. 



H. t. splendens is a charming Windflower, and one which, 

 from its extra brilliancy, is sure to become a favourite, as, 

 indeed, the whole genus Anemone is. It is a new variety of JET. 

 triloba, and is yet somewhat scarce, differing from the more gene- 

 rally known kinds of the same species in only two points, so 

 that, beyond the mention of them, no other description is need- 

 ful: (1) Its flowers are single red, but so much deeper in colour, 

 brighter, and of better substance, as to be quite distinct, and 

 merit the name "splendens." (2) It flowers earlier than the 

 commoner red kind. This handsome seedling of the common 

 Hepatica is very suggestive of what can be done by raising seed 

 from carefully-selected sorts, and within the last few years 

 something has been done in that direction, so that in a little 

 time we may expect to see other good varieties. I may add that 

 seedlings are three years before they bloom, and even longer 

 before a proper idea can be formed of their qualities. 



Cultivation, the same as for H. angulosa. 



Flowering period, February to March. 



Hesperis Matronalis Flore-pleno. 



DOUBLE SWEET ROCKET, or DAMES' YIOLET ; Nat. Ord. 



CRTJCIFER^E. 



THERE are several double forms of this very popular old flower, 

 such as purple, ruby, and pure white, the last named being by 

 far the greatest favourite. A few years ago it was said to be 

 very scarce, and in some parts of the country it certainly was so, 

 but when the present taste for the good old flowers became 

 general, it was not only found, but quickly propagated, so that 

 now the double white Sweet Rocket may be had everywhere, and 

 certainly no more beautiful flower can occupy the garden 

 borders, its perfume being strong and deliciously fragrant. The 

 parent plant of these double kinds is widely "distributed over 

 Europe ; all are perfectly hardy. 



They vary in height from 12in. to 18in., branching candelabra- 

 like, the flowers being produced in terminal spikes, arranged in 

 the way of, and very much resembling, the double stocks in 

 fact, the Hesperis used to be called " Queene's Gilloflower." 

 The leaves may be briefly described as oval, lance-shaped, 

 toothed, and veined ; dark green, and often spotted or blotched. 

 Gerarde's description, too, may be given, as it is always pleasant 

 to recognise the old plants 01 300 years ago : " Dames' Yiolets 



