OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 173 



this is a gem. Many amateurs will be glad to learn, if they do 

 not already know the shrub, that it is one of those pretty, un- 

 common, and distinct forms ever desirable for choice collections. 



It should be so planted that its branches can rest on a dark- 

 coloured stone ; this will show up its fruit to advantage. It 

 enjoys a rich, light soil, thriving in a mixture of sand, loam, and 

 rotten leaves. Beyond this there is nothing special about its 

 culture; moreover, it is easily increased, either by cuttings taken 

 in summer and pricked into moist peat under a bell glass, or by 

 layering the branches. These only need to be pegged down and 

 covered with soil, or to have a small boulder placed on the part 

 where roots are desired. 



Flowering period, all summer. 



Mazus Pumilio. 



DWARF MAZUS; Nat. Ord. SCROPHULARIACEJE. 

 THIS diminutive and pretty plant is a native 'of Australia, and 

 was introduced into this country in 1823. It is hardy, her- 

 baceous, and perennial ; it is, however, sometimes said to be only 

 annual, which may have been inferred from the fact of its 

 perishing in winter in this climate when grown in cold, stiff soil, 

 but that it is perennial is beyond doubt. Not only have I ex- 

 perienced that it dies every winter in clay soil, but also that the 

 roots remain fresh and healthy year after year when in more 

 suitable quarters, such as an open situation in light vegetable 

 soil mixed with sand, where it quickly spreads by underground 

 runners and asserts its perennial character. 



Its flowers much resemble the small wild violet of the hedge- 

 rows, in size and colour more especially ; the flower-stalks are, 

 however, sometimes branched, carrying four or five flowers; 

 and if I may be allowed to make another comparison in order to 

 convey an idea of its form, I would mention Pinguicula vulgaris, 

 the common butterwort. The flowers spring from the midst 

 of flattened tufts of pale green foliage ; the leaves are lin. to 3in. 

 long, spoon-shaped, slightly waved at the edges and occasionally 

 notched, distinctly veined, of a light green colour, and flesh- 

 tinted in the stalks ; they are arranged in nearly rosette form up 

 to the period of flowering, when they are not only longer, but 

 become almost erect ; but the younger tufts which do not produce 

 flowers remain perfectly flat. 



It is useful for rockwork or as a carpet plant where the soil is 

 of a sandy nature. There should be few bare places in our 

 gardens whilst we have such lovely creepers as this to fall back 

 upon. The rooted stems, which run immediately under the 

 surface, may be transplanted any time except during winter. If 

 the roots are mutilated then, they will probably rot. 



Flowering period, June to September. 



