3jO THE ALPINE FLORA 



Vaccines 



This order of small and almost glabrous shrubs 

 contains several plants, which, if not of first-rate merit, 

 must be acknowledged at least ornamental; the many- 

 branched roots are wide foragers and stoloniferous; the 

 regular flowers consist of a calyx with four or five teeth, 

 and a one-petalled corolla, whose five lobes alternate 

 with the teeth of the calyx; the stamens number five or 

 ten; the single style carries a blunted stigma; the fruit is 

 a fleshy berry. 



Vaccinium 



Small sub-shrubs, forming low, spreading bushes; the 

 leaves, which are carried on short stalks, are either 

 evergreen or deciduous ; the urn or bell-shaped flowers 

 hang downwards on short peduncles, either solitary or 

 in clusters. They should be planted in peaty soil, with 

 somewhat of permanent moisture, and partially shaded. 

 Propagation by cuttings or seeds, though the latter is a 

 very slow process. 



V. Myrtillus* (PJ. LXV1I). Eng.: Bilberry; Fr.: Myrtille, 

 Embresaille, etc. ; Ger. : Heidelbeere. 



A familiar shrub, with semi-prostrate branches spread- 

 ing among moss or soft turf; stem angular, with deciduous, 

 toothed leaves ; flowers reddish, solitary. The blue- 

 black fruit is much esteemed by our thrifty housewives, 

 who use it for many purposes, for desert, or stewing, 



