OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 



277 



to which, when under cultivation, a liberal quantity of sand 

 should be added. If grown in pots, they make lovely specimens, 

 and should be plunged in sand and kept moist ; but I find my 

 specimens to grow much more vigorously when planted out, as 

 they are at the base of a small rockery, rather below the level of 

 the neighbouring walk, which forms a miniature watershed for 

 the supply of moisture. I also fancy the liverwort, which 



FlG. 98. SOLDANELLA MONTANA. 



(One-half natural size.) 



surrounds them, rather helps them than otherwise. Certain I 

 am, however, that moisture is the great desideratum in the 

 culture of this genus. My difficulty with the planted-out 

 specimens is to keep them from being grazed off by the slugs ; a 

 dash of silver sand every day or two has sometimes proved of 

 use. When the Soldanellas once get into proper quarters 

 they make rapid growth ; I have divided them most successfully 

 in April and May. 



Flowering period, March to May. 



