TEE WILD GERAmUM. 83 



grown. The meadow crane's-bill loves a rich damp soil, 

 and is often semi-aquatic. One of the best places in 

 the world to see it in perfection is Darley Dale, Derby- 

 shire ; but it is more often seen in the Yorkshire dales, 

 and is not uncommon in Cumberlaaul. The smaller and 

 more alpine-habited crane's-bills, like the crimson one that 

 gives occasion for these remarks, require a sandy and stony 

 soil. The shining crane's-bill is often seen on ruins and 

 cottage roofs, showing how it loves a dry situation. 

 The Herb-Robert (C Rohertianim) is of similar habit, 

 loving the rocks, and making a most delicate display of 

 colour on them. 



Amongst the hardy geraniums that may be added 

 to the foregoing to make a small and interesting col- 

 lection, the following are of special value for their 

 beauty: — The grey crane's-bill [G.cinereuiii), the iberian 

 [G. ibericum), the long-rooted {G. iiiacrorliizum) , Lambert's 

 {G. Lamherti), the broad-petalled {G. plafypetcdtim), and 

 the striped {G. striatum). These are all showy plants of 

 accommodating constitution, thriving best in deep sandy 

 loam. The best geranium for London is probably the 

 white-flowering {G. aconitifolium) , which forms a stout 

 bush, and flowers abundantly. 



A selection of erodiums should come in here, for whoever 

 cares to grow one lot will not the less care to grow the 

 other. The best of them for the garden are the showy 

 heron's-bill {Erodlum manescari), the fairy heron's-bill, 

 {E. Beichardi), the Roman [E. romanum), the rock {E. 

 petrmum), and the caraway-leaved (E. caruifolium) . These 

 require, like the last-named group, a dry sandy or cal- 

 careous soil, and full exposure to air and sunshine. 



The amateur who has become interested in the hardy 



