CAMPIONS 
the axils of the leaves. The calyx is somewhat inflated and ribbed; the 
petals notched, with the usual scales. Flowers May to August. A 
native of the Mediterranean region (introduced in 1731). There is a var. 
compacta —the S. compactaoi most gardeners—of very dwarf habit, only 
2 or 3 inches high, but forming dense cushions a foot in diameter, well 
covered with pink blossoms. A favourite spring-bedder. 
S. pusilla (small). A charming little rock-plant, about a couple of 
inches high, introduced less than ten years ago. The white flowers (£ 
inch diameter) are so freely produced on short slender stalks that they 
nearly hide the foliage. Perennial. 
S. Schafta. A neat little perennial about half a foot in height, 
with a number of erect, unbranched stems. Leaves egg-shaped with 
acute points. Flowers purple, solitary or in twos; the calyx club- 
shaped; petals wedge-shaped, toothed. June to October. A native of 
the Caucasus (introduced about fifty years ago). 
Silenes are plants that all may grow, for they are 
Va 10 accommodating in the matter of soil, but light loamy ground 
suits them best. The dwarf kinds noted above are suitable for the 
rockery, or for the front of the border. The annuals must be grown 
from seeds, the perennials from seeds, cuttings, or division of the old 
plants. Those that bloom in spring or early summer should be sown out 
of doors between July and September; the seedlings pricked out and 
transplanted before winter, or as early as possible in spring. Or if the 
seed is held over the winter and sown in March or April, the plants will 
flower in July and August. A deeply-dug and well-drained border in a 
sunny position will produce the best results with these plants. 
Description of Plate 39 represents S. Armeria of the natural size, 
plates. together with an enlargement of the flower (1); a section 
of the same (2); a single petal (3), showing the hom-like scales; the 
seed (4); and a seedling (5). 
Plate 40 shows S. pendula: with an enlarged section (1), the seed 
(2), and seedling (3). 
CAMPIONS 
Natural Order CaryophyllE-E. Genus Lychnis 
Lychnis (Greek, luchnos, a lamp). A genus of about thirty herbs, 
similar to Silene , the chief difference consisting of the possession of five 
styles by Lychnis, whilst in Silene they are usually three in number. 
The petals are notched in a similar manner, and have a simple or two- 
