226 HARDY PERENNIALS AND 



the plants and names to their proper belongings, and we are no 

 longer puzzled with a chionodoxa under the name of 

 PuschTcinia. This Lilywort came from Siberia in 1819, and 

 was long considered a tender bulb in this climate, and even 

 yet by many it is treated as such. With ordinary care judi- 

 cious planting it not only proves hardy, but increases fast. 

 Still, it is a rare plant, and very seldom seen, notwith- 

 standing its great beauty. It was named by Adams, in honour 

 of the Russian botanist, Count Puschkin, whence the two 

 synonymous names PuschTcinia and Adamsia ; there is also 

 another name, specific, which, though still used, has become 

 discarded by authorities, viz., P. Libanotica this was sup- 

 posed to be in reference to one of its habitats being on 

 Mount Lebanon. During mild winters it flowers in March, and 

 so delicately marked are its blossoms that one must always feel 

 that its beauties are mainly lost from the proverbial harshness 

 of the season. 



At the height of 4in. to Sin. the flowers are produced on 

 slender bending scapes, the spikes of blossom are arranged one- 

 sided ; each flower is iin. to nearly lin. across, white, richly 

 striped with pale blue down the centre, and on both sides of the 

 petal-like divisions. The latter are of equal length, lance- 

 shaped, and finely reflexed ; there is a short tube, on the mouth 

 of which is joined the smaller one of the corona. The latter is 

 conspicuous from the reflexed condition of the limb of the 

 perianth, and also from its lobes and membranous fringe being 

 a soft lemon-yellow colour. The pedicels are slender and 

 distant, causing the flower spikes, which are composed of four 

 to eight flowers, to have a lax appearance. The leaves are few, 

 4in. to 6in. long, lance-shaped, concave, but flatter near 

 the apex, of good substance and a dark green colour ; bulb 

 small. 



As already stated, a little care is needed in planting this choice 

 bulbous subject. It enjoys a rich, but light soil. It does not so 

 much matter whether it is loamy or of a vegetable nature if it 

 is light and well drained ; and, provided it is planted under such 

 conditions and in full sunshine, it will both bloom well and 

 increase. It may be propagated by division of the roots during 

 late summer, when the tops have died off; but only tufts 

 having a crowded appearance should be disturbed for an 

 increase of stock. 



Flowering period, March to May. 



P. s. compacta is a variety of the above, having a stronger 

 habit and bolder flowers. The latter are more numerous, have 

 shorter pedicels, and are compactly arranged in the spike 

 whence the name Culture, propagation, and flowering time, 

 same as last. 



