Part II. MECONOPSIS—MELITTIS. 249 



flowers, produced on very short stems, so as barely to show above 

 the leaves, are pale violet, with white centres ; the leaves nearly 

 entire, or lobulate and obtuse, with a striking tendency to lie flat 

 on or embrace the surface of the soil. It thrives in pots, cold 

 frames, or in the open air, and is best placed in firm, open, bare 

 spots on rockwork in free sandy soil in warm positions. It is 

 not a showy but an interesting plant, easily increased by division. 

 Flowers in early summer. 



MEOONOPSIS ACULEATA.— /'W/^/y Poppy. 



This is the only one of the splendid Indian species of this 

 family that I have seen in flower, and that but once in the 

 Royal Gardens at Kew. It is a singularly beautiful plant with 

 purple petals like shot silk, which contrast charmingly with the 

 numerous yellow stamens ; the flowers two inches across, on 

 stems about two feet high ; the leaves heart-shaped in outline, 

 somewhat five-lobed, but variable, and covered with rigid hair- 

 like prickles. It is found at elevations of 11,000 to 14,000 feet 

 on the Himalayas, and is probably hardy, though we have as 

 yet but a slight knowledge of it. A warm well-drained position 

 on the sunny side of rockwork is most likely to agree with it. 

 Flowers in summer, and may be raised from seed. 



MEOONOPSIS CAMBRICA.— rr^/j^ Po/Zj/. 



A HANDSOME poppy-like plant, forming large pale-green tufts 

 of slightly hairy divided leaves, with handsome large pale- 

 yellow flowers, known immediately from those of Poppies by 

 the stigmas being supported on a short but distinct style. A 

 native of rocky woods and shady places, in some of the Western 

 Counties, and also found in Wales and Ireland. In the Lake 

 Country it may be seen gathered in crowds round the gate-lodges, 

 and running along by boundary walls, making quite an attractive 

 show of bloom. It is well worthy of being introduced in semi- 

 wild places, and is also suited for an extensive rock-garden. 

 Flowers in early summer, and is increased from seed with 

 facility. 



MELITTIS MELISSOPHYLLUM.— 5fl/wz M. 



A DISTINCT-LOOKING plant of the Salvia order, with slightly 

 hair)' ovate leaves, about two inches long, clothing the stem to 



