43 



attains a height of 3 feet. The most easy way of propagation is by 

 division in spring. 



Astrantia major. A very distinct and pretty European species, 

 now naturalized in the woods around Ludlow and Malvern. The 

 flowers appear in June and July, white or pink, with bracts which 

 are white beneath and green above. The plants are best increased 

 by division in early autumn or spring. If by seeds, they are best 

 sown as soon as ripe in cool frames, transplanting the seedlings the 

 following spring. 



Inula Royleana. This is undoubtedly the finest of its species * ; it 

 has yellow flowers, blossoming about July, and grows about 18 inches 

 high. To increase the plants, pieces of the roots 2 inches long, as 

 in Statice latifolia, can be taken and inserted. Also by dividing 

 the crowns of the plants. 



Veronica spieata, from which the V. spicdta alba mentioned before is 

 derived. It is similar in appearance, except that the spikes of flowers 

 are blue instead of white. 



Hieracium villosum. A handsome hairy perennial, i foot high, with 

 silvery foliage and yellow flowers, appearing in July. These plants 

 can be increased by dividing up the tufts in early autumn or spring, 

 or by sowing seed in an open border, as soon as ripe. 



All the attention needed by this Hieracium is the dividing of 

 the clumps every two years, as it grows very rapidly and is at its best 

 in the second year after division. 



Stokesia cyanea is the last plant of all I have as an example. 

 It is an invaluable plant for a hot and dry situation, and grows 18 

 inches in height. In September it bears large, showy, blue flowers, 

 somewhat similar in appearance to a China Aster. It is increased 

 by division in spring and flourishes best in a good warm soil, but, owing 

 to its naturally late season, unfortunately does not always bloom 

 as well as it otherwise might. 



In all probability more than one plant would not suit the idea of 

 everyone as a true subject for a hardy herbaceous border. That is 

 as it may be. What is and is not an herbaceous plant, and whether 

 a certain plant is or is not a suitable subject for this kind of border, 

 has long been a subject of controversy, and it should be left as much 

 as possible to the taste of the person to whom the said border belongs 

 to settle the question. 



* Geaua. 



