Part II. CYCLAMEN. 185 



the majority of the flowers, both being stronger and larger than 

 the ordinary type, with more decided difference of outline and 

 markings on the upper surface of the leaves, the under surface 

 being frequently of a beautiful purple. Texture thick, shining, 

 and wax-like. Some of them are delightfully fragrant. They 

 are quite hardy, but are worthy of a little protection to preserve 

 the late blooms, which often continue to spring up till the end of 

 the year. 



'This species is so perfectly hardy as to make it very desir- 

 able not only for the rock, but also for the open borders. It 

 will grow in almost any soil and situation, though best (and it 

 well deserves it) in a well-drained rich border or rockery. It 

 does not like frequent removal. It has been naturalised success- 

 fully on the mossy floor of a thin wood, on a very sandy, poor 

 soil, and it maybe naturalised with perfect success almost every- 

 where in these islands. It would be peculiarly attractive when 

 seen in a semi-wild state in pleasure-grounds and by wood walks. 

 It is very frequently sent out by English nurseries and bulb 

 dealers as C. europceum, though perfectly distinct from that spe- 

 cies. It is well figured in Baxter's ' British Flowering Plants,' 

 p. 505, and is 'the so-called British species ; but it is doubtful 

 whether it is a true native plant. 



C. grcECum is a very near ally, if more than a variety, of C. he- 

 dercefolium J it requires the same treatment. The foliage is 

 more after the C. persicum, or the southern var. of C. europaum, 

 type than most of the hedercEfolium section ; the shape of corolla 

 and toothing of the mouth the same. C. africanum {algeriense 

 macrophylluni), much larger in all its parts than C. hedera- 

 folium, otherwise very nearly allied, is hardy in warm sheltered 

 situations. 



CYCLAMEN YERNUM.— 5/rz«^ C. 



Tuber round, depressed, somewhat rough or russety on outer 

 surface ; fibres issue from one point on the under side only ; under 

 cultivation it has httle or no stem, but leaves and flowers proceed 

 direct from the upper centre of the tuber, bending under the sur- 

 face of the soil horizontally before rising to the surface. Corolla 

 long, segments somewhat twisted, mouth round, not toothed ; 

 colour from a delicate peach to deep red purple, very seldom 

 white ; deliciously fragrant. Flowers from April to end of May. 



