CVLTIVATIOX AXD AXALVSIS OF FLAXTS. 



^5 



j^ \l()\'r; the rather fxtensi\e family of Saxifratjes, perhaps the most 

 iiily Liilti\ ated as a house plant is the S. sarmentosa, jjopularly 

 as the Beefsteak Saxifrajje, and sometimes as the Strawberry 

 um. Originally intnxiuced from China or Japan, its hardv 

 adapts it t" all places wwA all conditions of the atmosphere 

 iho\e the free/.inj; point. Its leases are \ cry nearly heart-shaped, or 

 approaching- the kidney shape; and are thickish, slightly hairy, of a bright green 

 on the upper surface, and a flesh or purplish-red color underneath, not unlike the 

 iegonias. The leaves resemble a small inverted saucer in shape and size, and are 

 )ften variegated along the edges, or reticulated throughout with peculiar salmon- 

 ■olored markings, mixed with a yellowish-white. One of the varieties derives its 

 distinguishing name from this feature, being called tricolor. Most varieties of the Saxi- 

 frage are liable to run back, as florists sa\ , to the condition of the primitive plant, a plain 

 green on the upper surface of the lea\es. It is much culti\ated as a parlor ornament in 

 a hanging-basket in combination with others, or grown by itself as a specimen jjlant, 

 sending over the sides long strings of stems and leaves, which can be easily trained to 

 completely cover the pot. The method of propagation is ordinarily by the little tufts or 

 bunches of miniatine plants that grow upon the strings or runners, or upon the sides of 

 the old jjlant. These will strike root readily in any damp soil or sand, and indeed are 

 often provided with rootlets before being separated from a parent plant. They can also be 

 raised from seeds. These plants require an abundance of moisture, and a temperature of 

 not less" than sixty degrees. They can be easily kept green all the year round, if thought 

 desirable, by giving them water and a shady situation in a good, rich soil, although they 

 will accommodate themselves to a very poor one. 



i "'"' 



SCILLJl. 



HIO and the States west and south thereof produce a species of 

 indigenous Scilla scientifically known as the S. Fraseri, and popu- 

 larly as Wild Hvacinth. The Scilla is a member of the Liliaceous 

 family, and has been long noted for its medicinal properties under 

 the familiar product of syrup of squills, which, however, is chieflv 

 produced from the allied genus, Urginea Scilla. As an indoor or 

 outdooi- plant there are few bulbs that gixe more satisfaction in proportion to 

 the care and time bestowed. For a small plant it is highly ornamental, and 



s iiuu'h used t"< 



)xes or si 

 requirin 



m pii 



■s, or beds and li 

 protection. Its 



:is they 

 ^ to blc 



outdoors, they 



. little 



ers, half an inch to an inch in diameter, are 

 St with the surrounding foliage. Among the 

 ladden their owners at the first tlisapj)earance 

 382 





