OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 179 



I have otherwise learned that in this climate the plant only 

 flowers outside during very warm summers. I have also in- 

 formation from one of H.M. Botanic Gardens that this species 

 " was introduced from South America, but when and by whom I 

 am unable to say. It requires a warm, sheltered position. 

 Before the severe winters came it used to be covered with star- 

 like whitish flowers, which were succeeded by fruits." 



The fruits given in the illustration (natural size) are a fine 

 feature, but, considering the uncertainty of their production, 

 they can hardly be claimed for outside decoration. They are of 

 a transparent, wax-like substance, and the tooth-like divisions 

 glisten like miniature icicles; they hang in small clusters on 

 lateral shoots from the more ripened stems, and have a charming 

 effect, contrasting finely with the black stems and dark green 

 foliage. The leaves are small (iin. to fin. across) somewhat 

 fiddle- shaped, of good substance, and having slender stalks ; they 

 are alternate and distantly arranged on the long trailing and 

 climbing stems. The habit is dense and diffuse, and though it 

 loses many leaves in winter, I have never seen it entirely bare ; it 

 is therefore entitled to be called evergreen with outdoor treat- 

 ment. The distinct form and colour of its foliage, together with 

 the graceful shape of the spray-like branches, render this subject 

 of great value for cutting purposes. Seen in company, and used 

 sparingly with white flowers for epergne work, the effect is unique ; 

 and I ask those who possess it to try it in that or a similar 

 way. 



It enjoys a sunny position and well drained or sandy soil. 

 With me it grows entangled with a rose tree, the latter being 

 nailed to the wall. I have also seen it very effective on the 

 upper and drier parts of rockwork, where it can have nothing to 

 cling to ; there it forms a dense prostrate bush. It may be 

 propagated by cuttings of the hardier shoots, which should be 

 taken in early summer ; by this method they become nicely rooted 

 before winter. 



Flowering periods, warm summers. 



Muscari Botryoides. 



GRAPE HYACINTH; Nat. Ord. 

 THIS is a hardy species, somewhat finer than the more common 

 M. racemosum, from the fact of its richer, bright sky blue flowers. 

 The form of the Grape Hyacinth is well known (see Fig. 65), 

 being a very old garden flower and a great favourite ; when it is 

 once planted, it keeps its place, despite all drawbacks common to 

 a crowded border, with the exception of that wholesale destroyer, 

 a careless digger; if left undisturbed for a year or two, it 

 increases to very showy clumps. 



The flowers, which are densely arranged on stout spikes Sin. 



N2 



