154 FAJtlLTAR OAnitEX FLOlVFJtS. 



botanists, and all arc natives of the countries borderino' 

 on the ]\Iediten'anean. Only two or three of the whole 

 number obtain the attention of gardeners, but of these the 

 varieties are numerous, and they are maintained in their 

 integrity by very careful selection ; and there is perhaps 

 as much science and skill brought to bear upion stocks as 

 upon any class of jilants esteemed in European gardens. 

 The constancy of the several kinds to the characters that 

 obtain distinction for them is truly surprising, and of no 

 less interest to the jjhilosopher than to the simple lover of 

 cheerful tlowers. 



The generic designation MatJiiola is of modern origin, 

 and commemorates P. INIathioli, an Italian botanist. In 

 the old books stock gilliflowers are classed under the 

 generic name Leiicoiiim, and were familiarly called " vio- 

 lets." Thus Gerarde sa^'s : " Under the name of stocke 

 gilliflowers are comprehended manj' kindes of violets, which 

 differ especially in the colour of the flowers, and also some- 

 what in the leaues." The most important species is 31. 

 iiiiaiia, the "ten-week stock," of which the varieties are 

 innumerable. /)/. hicaua, the hoary stock, is the founda- 

 tion of the Brompton and Queen stocks, and probably also 

 of the Giant Cape stock, which is referred to M.feiii'siralix, 

 a s])ecies of doubtful distinction. M. Gnrca, the Grecian 

 gillitiower, supplies the race of "■wallflower-leaved" stocks, 

 a very distinct section, the leaves of which are of a bright 

 green colour and destitute of hoariness. M. liconiis is a 

 curiosity. The flowers are of a slaty-lilac colour; they 

 emit a delightful fragrance during the night, but during 

 the day are scentless. 



Stocks of all kinds require good oiltivation. The com- 

 post employed must be light and rich, and during hot, dry 



