230 ALPINE FLOWERS. Part II. 



on thread-like stems to a height of one inch to two inches and a 

 half, from close low cushions of leaves shorter than many mosses, 

 less than half an inch high when fully exposed. It is usually 

 considered somewhat difficult to grow, but this arises chiefly 

 from its minuteness ; in level exposed spots it does very well in 

 mt)ist peaty soil, the chief care required being to keep it quite clear 

 of weeds or coarse-growing neighbours. It is said by some to be 

 a biennial, but in cultivation does not seem to be so, increasing 

 to any extent by careful division. It grows freely in pots or pans, 

 in cold frames, pits, or houses kept near the glass, and in such 

 positions is likely to ripen its seeds. Suitable for association 

 with the smallest and choicest mountain-plants. I have grown 

 this plant well in the open air in London ; it withstood the evil 

 influences of abundant showers of smut, and should therefore 

 not be difficult to keep under more favourable circumstances. 



HUTCHINSIA ALPINA.— yi/^m^^. 



A VERY neat little plant, from moist and very elevated parts of 

 nearly all the great mountain-chains of Central and Southern 

 Europe, with shining leaves, deeply cut into narrow lobes, so 

 as to resemble pinnate leaves, and pure white flowers, produced 

 in clusters and abundantly, on stems about one inch high. Quite 

 free in sandy soil, and easily increased by division or by seeds. 

 Planted in an open spot, either on rockwork or in good free bor- 

 der soil, it becomes a compact dense mass of purtSKvhite flowers. 

 Its proper home is on the select rockwork, though where borders 

 of dwarf and choice hardy plants are established and carefuUy 

 attended to, it may be grown in them with perfect success. 



HYACINTHUS AMETHYSTINUS.— ^»2e%rf Hyacinth. 



Beautiful deep sky-blue bells, five to fifteen, rather loosely a'nd 

 gracefully disposed on stems from eight inches to a foot high, 

 ascending in numbers when the plant is grown in very light rich 

 soil, in a not too cold or exposed position. It is quite hardy, 

 a native of the Pyrenees and Southern Europe, flowering in early 

 summer, and is in stature and general appearance somewhat like 

 a graceful Scilla, but at once distinguished by its pretty bells 

 not being divided into segments as they are in Scilla. It is 

 worthy of association with the choicest hardy bulbs and inhabi- 

 tants of the rock-garden. 



