THE HEATHS 217 



On the boggy heaths of Galway and Mayo a form 

 of this species is found ; it is known as E. mediterranea 

 var. hibemica, and grows 2 to 5 feet high. The 

 typical E. mediterranea was represented in the Syon 

 gardens seventy years ago by a specimen 10 feet high. 

 Do any such noble examples remain in this country 

 now ? E. mediterranea hybrida has been already 

 alluded to. 



E. strida, — ^Although not so strikingly beautiful as 

 the Heaths previously mentioned, E. striata is the 

 hardiest of all the taller species. In inclement dis- 

 tricts, where a tall Heath is desired, it may be recom- 

 mended; it grows from 5 to 6 feet high, and is of 

 erect and sturdy growth, with leaves borne in whorls 

 four to six together; they are deep green, and a large 

 mass of plants with their erect- plumose branches 

 produces a somewhat unusual effect. E. strida, like 

 so many Heaths, has a long flowering season ; it 

 begins to bloom in June, is at its best in July, but 

 three months later flowers may still be gathered. 

 The flowers are pale purple, and produced in terminal 

 clusters. It has been in cultivation since 1765, and 

 is a native of South-Western Europe ; it is occasion- 

 ally labelled E. ramulosa. 



E. scoparia. — This species has proved to be the 

 tallest Heath near London, for it has during the 

 last few years grown as high as 9 feet. This gives 

 it a certain distinction, but when regarded as a 

 flower-bearing plant it is, I think, the least worthy 

 of the tribe. The flowers are crowded in the leaf 

 axils in great profusion, but are small and greenish 



