242 HARDY PERENNIALS AND 



On rockwork it is seen in its best form, as the slope not only 

 shows it off better, but is conducive to a finer growth. In flat 

 places, the dense cushions, which are Gin. or Sin. high, often rot 

 from too much moisture. I have never seen this occur in the 

 drier positions afforded by the slopes of a rockery. If planted 

 between large stones it has a happy way of adapting itself to 

 them, and few plants are more effective. It thrives equally well 

 in soil of a loamy or vegetable character, but it seems to enjoy 

 a little limestone, small pieces of which I place . round the 

 specimens; they also serve to hold up the lower foliage and 

 favour the admission of air. Where alpines are grown in pots 

 this should form one, as it makes a charming specimen ; the 

 drainage should be perfect. It also makes a capital edging 

 plant, especially for raised beds, as then it is accommodated in 

 the same way as on rockwork. 



It may be propagated by taking the slips nearest the earth, 

 which will often be found to have a few rootlets, but if not they 

 will still prove the more suitable ; if taken in summer and 

 dibbled into sand, they will make good roots in a week or two, 

 when they may be transplanted to their permanent quarters, so 

 as to become established before winter. 



Saxifraga Ciliata. 



HAIRY-MARGINED SAXIFRAGE ; Syn. MEGASEA CILIATA ; 



Nat. Ord. SAXIFRAGACE^. 



THIS is a peculiar, distinct, and beautiful form of Saxifrage ; 

 there seems, however, to be some confusion in reference to its 

 nomenclature. That it belongs to the Megasea section there can 

 be little doubt, so that its synonym (M. ciliata) is fairly 

 descriptive ; but when it is said to be identical with 8. ligulata, 

 also of the Megasea section, the difficulty of recognising the 

 form illustrated as such is very great indeed. It is also 

 supposed to be a variety of 8. ligulata, and though it has many 

 important dissimilarities, it has also many affinities. So much 

 does it differ from 8. Ugulata that it seems to be fully entitled 

 to the specific honours which some authorities have given to it. 

 It differs from 8. ligulata, described by Don, in being rough and 

 hairy on both sides of the leaves ; in other respects it agrees, 

 more especially in the colour of the flowers, which is uncommon. 

 It may be the Megasea ciliata of Haworth, which Don refers to 

 under 8. ligulata, or it may be a distinct form of the latter, as, 

 on the authority of Dr. Wallich, of the Botanical Gardens of 

 Calcutta, the species has varieties. Wherever its proper place may 

 be in its numerous genus, the name at the head hereof is a good 

 descriptive one. It is an Indian contribution, hailing from the 

 mountains east of Bengal. In this climate it endures our 

 winters, though it is not one of the hardiest of its tribe. It has 



