NEW HERBACEOUS PLANTS 231 



globular, clear yellow flowers each from six to eight 

 inches in diameter. It is probably the most gor- 

 geously beautiful of all alpine plants, and what joy it 

 would give me could I recommend it to the garden 

 lovers of this country in general. This cannot be 

 done, yet it is probable that in parts of Maine, like 

 Bar Harbor, in Oregon, British Columbia, and other 

 districts enjoying a cool summer climate and an 

 abundant snowfall in winter, this remarkable plant 

 would thrive. I do not know that it has been given 

 a trial in the regions mentioned. But if this Poppy- 

 wort is not for the ordinary garden there are other 

 handsome and useful herbs from central and western 

 China which are easily cultivated and are deserv- 

 ing of the widest recognition. In this chapter I pro- 

 pose to mention in cursory detail what I consider to 

 be the best of the herbs it has been my good 

 fortune and privilege to introduce to the gardens of 

 western lands. The great majority are vigorous- 

 growing and very hardy herbaceous perennials and 

 in this connection a few remarks of a general charac- 

 ter may be in order. 



Hardy herbaceous plants do not at present en- 

 joy the same favor in this country as in Great Brit- 

 ain but each succeeding year appreciation of them 

 increases. Like trees and shrubs, perennial herbs 



