346 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



effect among Andromedas and similar shrubs. The flowers are 

 snowy white, and are produced in pyramidal spikes 2ft. to 3ft. 

 high. These bulbs, which should be planted in late summer 

 should not be interfered with except for purposes of increase. 



Pancratium (Sea Daffodil). — Only one species of this genus 

 is really hardy, and that in favoured situations, such as ad- 

 vocated 'for Crinums. Indeed, P. illyricum may very well be 

 treated on the lines suggested for the Crinums. Increased by 

 offsets in autumn. 



Polygonatum (Solomon's Seal). — Allied to the Lily of the 

 Valley is the genus here named, several species of which might 



Fig. 226. — Polygonatum multiflorum. 



oftener be used, especially for shady nooks under trees, and for 

 naturalising in woodlands. Indeed, gardeners might well take a 

 lesson from Nature in respect of the adaptability of these plants 

 for the last-named purpose, as at least three species are to be 

 found growing in our woods — P. verticillatum, P. officinale, and 

 P. multiflorum (Fig. 226), the last two having double forms. Though 

 the flowers cannot boast striking colour, they are neat in the 

 extreme, and are, moreover, disposed in such a way that they 

 have a grace which is all their own, and are succeeded by 

 pretty if not showy fruits — usually of a purplish-black. Other 

 good species are P. rosewn, rose-pink ; P. oppositifolium, white, 

 ribbed with red ; and P. punctatum, white, lilac-dotted. There 



