OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 147 



The flowers, which are produced singly on slender stems 2in. 

 high, are composed of a four-toothed calyx; corolla, four petals, 

 or four-toothed and funnel-shaped ; when fully expanded each 

 flower is |in. across, and shows a distinct yellow eye. The leaves 

 of the root are spathulate, those of the stems opposite and 

 lanceolate ; all the parts are shown of the natural size in the 

 illustration. 



All the known Houstonias are natives of North America ; 

 still, our winters seem to kill strong plants. From an impres- 

 sion that the plants were destroyed by insects amongst their 

 roots and foliage, I had several tufts lifted, well shaken out, and 

 divided in the autumn; they were replanted in leaf soil and sand 

 and kept rather moist. When planting them, all amongst the 

 roots was thickly strewn with dry silver sand, so as to leave no 

 space for the lodgment of vermin ; the results were fine, fresh, 

 green tufts throughout the following winter, which, however, 

 was not severe ; still, the plants not so treated dwindled and were 

 unhealthy, whereas the others were finely in bloom, the subject 

 of the drawing being one of them. These minute plants do well 

 and look well wedged between large stones on rockwork, where 

 they flower nearly all the year round ; they also form pretty pot 

 specimens under cold frame treatment ; and they may be used 

 with good effect for surfacing the pots in which other hardy but 

 tall and bare stemmed things such as lilies are grown. 



The mode of propagation has been indicated by the above 

 autumnal treatment. 



Flowering period, April to July. 



Hutchinsia Alpina. 



Syn. LEPIDIUM ALPINUM; Nat. Ord. CRUCIFER^:. 

 AN alpine species, from South Europe, which may be said to be 

 evergreen in this climate, and, according to my experience of it, 

 flowering throughout the year. Though found in some gardens 

 to be difficult to establish, when it finds a suitable home it 

 becomes a pretty addition. 



This alpine seldom exceeds 2in. in height. The flowers are 

 a glistening white and very small, produced in numerous heads, 

 and they are very enduring ; the calyx is concave and falls off ; 

 the four petals are inversely ovate ; the little leaves are deeply 

 lobed, of a pale shining green colour, with plenty of substance ; 

 its habit is spreading or creeping. Neither slugs nor any other 

 pests seem to meddle with it. It may be transplanted at 

 any time, and the mode of propagation may be gathered from 

 the following remarks. 



Probably because its name implies its alpine character, some 

 may be misled to plant it on rockwork; whether that be so or 

 not, I so tried it, and found it would not grow in such a 



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