258 THE ALPINE FLORA 



ledge. Of easy culture in loam admixed with coarse sand- 

 stone grit and leaf-mould, under partial shade or an open 

 N. W\ bank. Propagated readily from seed or by grafts 

 on the clematis root-stock. 



Thalictrum 



Eng. : Meadowrue ; Fr. ; Pigamon ; Ger. : Weisenkraute. 



A group of plants distinguished by numerous, promin- 

 ent stamens, which form the beauty of the flower, the 

 petals being very fugacious. The commonest garden 

 species is T. aquilegifolium which succeeds magnificently in 

 a cool, partially shady position and a light soil, and whose 

 nodding 5 ft. scapes with glorious masses of white or lilac 

 are splendid ornaments to rockery, border, or underwood. 

 Of other species alpinum and minus are worthy of cultiva- 

 tion, but the flowers are as well removed; inded in all, 

 perhaps, the greatest charm is the delicate tracery of the 

 leaves. All prefer limestone, except alpinum which re- 

 quires a select peaty nook. Multiply by seed or division. 

 The medicinal value of certain species has been highly 

 spoken of in cases of jaundice and intermittent fever; the 

 roots furnish a yellow dye. 



7". aquilegifolium (PI. I). A robust, tall shrub, with 

 leaves similar to those of columbines, but more refined; 

 flowers small, very numerous, in a large panicle, the count- 

 less lilac or white stamens spreading like a mist above the 

 plant. April-May. Cool mountain places. 



Other species are: T. alpinum*, a wee herb, with simple, 

 naked stem, not exceeding 4 in.; leaves like maiden-hair, 

 the flowers small, yellowish and drooping in simple ra- 

 cemes; T. fcetidum with viscous foliage of a strong, un- 

 pleasant odour; flowers small, reddish green, in terminal 

 panicles; T. saxatile* with zigzag, striated stem; foliage 

 glabrous and scentless, with prominent nervation under- 



