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i ) CULTIVATION AND ANALYSIS OF PLANTS. 
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SAXIPVPRAG LH. 
P MONG the rather extensive family of Saxifrages, perhaps the most 
commonly cultivated as a house plant is the S. sarmentosa, popularly 
known as the Beefsteak Saxifrage, and sometimes as the Strawberry 
Geranium. Originally introduced from China or Japan, its hardy 
character adapts it to all places and all conditions of the atmosphere 
above the freezing point. Its leaves are very 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 
Begonias. The leaves resemble a small inverted saucer in shape and size, and are 
often variegated along the edges, or reticulated throughout with peculiar salmon- 
colored 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 say, to the condition of the primitive plant, a plain 
green on the upper surface of the leaves. It is much cultivated as a parlor ornament in 
a hanging-basket in combination with others, or grown by itself as a specimen plant, 
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 miniature plants that grow upon the strings or runners, or upon the sides of 
the old plant. 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, 
SCILLA., 
“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 Hyacinth. 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 chiefly 
ce produced from the allied genus, Urginea Scilla. As an indoor or 
outdoor plant there are few bulbs that give more satisfaction in proportion to 
the care and time bestowed. Fora small plant it is highly ornamental, and 
is much used for edgings of boxes or stands in parlors, or beds and borders 
outdoors, being very hardy and requiring little or no protection. Its pretty 
racemes of fine azure-blue flowers, half an inch to an inch in diameter, are 
very attractive, as they form a good contrast with the surrounding foliage. Among the 
y earliest of plants to bloom outdoors, they gladden their owners at the first disappearance 
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