290 HARDY PERENNIALS AND 



and, as before hinted, verticillate ; they vary much in size, being 

 from lin. to Sin. long and in. to lin. broad. The stems are 

 round, reddish, slender, and naked, with the exception of two or 

 three minute round leaves, borne distantly apart; the stems, 

 too, like the leaves, vary in length; sometimes they grow 8in., 

 while others equally floriferous are not above Sin. high ; the root 

 is creeping, and somewhat tuberous. A colony of this plant has 

 the appearance of a miniature group of palms, bedecked with 

 glistening stars at the flowering time, and it is one of the most 

 durable flowers I know ; so persistent, indeed, are they, that 

 botanical descriptions make mention of it. 



In a cut state they equal either violets or snowdrops, from the 

 beautiful combination of flowers and foliage, and it is a pity that 

 it is not grown in sufficient quantities for cutting purposes. Its 

 culture is very easy, but to do it well it may be said to require 

 special treatment; in its wild state it runs freely, and the 

 specimens are not nearly so fine as they may be had under 

 cultivation with proper treatment. It should have moist 

 quarters, a little shade, light vegetable soil, and confinement at 

 the roots. I ought, perhaps, to explain the last-mentioned 

 condition. It would appear that if the quick- spreading roots are 

 allowed to ramble, the top growths are not only straggling, but 

 weak and unfruitful. To confine its roots, therefore, not only 

 causes it to grow in compact groups, but in every way improves 

 its appearance; it may be done by planting it in a large seed 

 pan, 15in. across, and 4in. or 6in. deep. Let it be well drained ; 

 over the drainage place a layer of lumpy peat, on which arrange 

 another of roots, and fill up with leaf soil and peat mixed with 

 sand ; this may be done any time from September to February ; 

 the pan may then be plunged in a suitable position, so as to 

 just cover the rim from sight, and so do away with artificial 

 appearances ; but if it is sunk too deep, the roots will go over the 

 rim and all the labour will be lost. So charming is this plant 

 when so grown, that it is worth all the care. A well-known bota- 

 nist saw such a pan last spring, and he could hardly believe it to 

 be our native species. Pans at two years old are lovely masses, and 

 very suitable for taking as grown for table decoration. The outer 

 sides of the pans should be banked down to the tray with damp 

 moss, which could be pricked in with any soft-coloured flowers, as 

 dog roses, pinks or forget-me-nots. 



I will only add that, unless the root confinement is effected 

 either in the above or some other way, according to my experi- 

 ence, the plant will never present a creditable appearance as a 

 cultivated specimen ; at the same time, this somewhat troublesome 

 mode of planting it is not in proportion to the pleasure it will 

 afford and certainly ought not to prevent its introduction into 

 every garden. 



Flowering period, May and June. 



